First Day — First Impression: DMO Kupwara goes tough against violators; 7 tractors, tipper, JCB seized

Handwara: On a very first day of his joining in Kupwara district as DMO, Mumtaz Ahmed in assistance with Handwara Police, has gone tough against illegal mining activities across the district.

The operation resulted in the seizure of seven tractors, tipper, and a JCB used in unauthorized mining and transportation of minerals.

The raids were executed at several locations in the district as part of a wider effort by the District Mining and Geology Department to tackle illegal extraction and transport of minerals.

Addressing the media, DMO Mumtaz Ahmad stated, “There will be no compromise with illegal mining in Kupwara. We are committed to enforcing the law and protecting our environment.”

Officials confirmed that legal action has been initiated against the offenders, and investigations are ongoing to identify others involved in similar activities.

Meanwhile, local residents and environmental groups have welcomed the move, calling it a much-needed step toward curbing the ecological damage caused by unregulated mining.