Mohd Irfan
Deputy Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Surinder Choudhary, conducted late-night raids to assess the functioning of stone crushers and act against the mining mafia operating in the Kathua region. A video that has gone viral on social media shows the Deputy Chief Minister questioning a police official about the status of stone crushers operating near a police post (Naka).
Conversation Between the Deputy Chief Minister and the Police Official:
Dy CM: “What is the purpose of this police post? Is it just to mint money? Where are all the officials?” (expressing deep anguish and displeasure over police operations).
Dy CM: How many officials are posted here? Write down their names.
Police Official: Four in number.
Dy CM: This means the police are hand in glove with the mining mafia.
Police Official: I have just arrived today.
Dy CM: Then call the other officials.
Dy CM: Which SHO’s jurisdiction is this? Has he ever inspected the site before?
Police Official: SHO Lakhanpur.
Dy CM: If the SHO regularly inspects this area, then why are there so many vehicles involved in illegal mining? How is this happening right under the nose of the police? What is the purpose of this Naka?
Dy CM Expresses Displeasure Over Unabated Illegal Mining
When questioned by the media about the situation, the Deputy Chief Minister expressed strong disappointment, stating that illegal mining was occurring openly despite the presence of a police post. He emphasized that both the SSP and DC of Kathua must take immediate action against the ongoing illegal mining activities. He also raised concerns over the electricity connections provided to stone crushers that were officially closed. “How can these stone crushers, which were shut down, have active electricity connections? I will speak to the Electricity Department to investigate how these connections were given when there is no official portal or approval for their operation,” he stated, visibly angered. The Deputy Chief Minister further revealed that he personally inspected three to four stone crushers that were supposedly closed but still had active electricity supply. “As soon as they saw me, the operators fled. This raises serious questions,” he remarked.
Concerns Over the Role of Authorities and Environmental Impact
Choudhary acknowledged the public outrage in Kathua, stating that their frustration was justified given the poor state of the mining department. “Illegal mining continues unabated. I will return unannounced to check if any corrective measures have been taken,” he warned.
Expressing his astonishment, he questioned why the responsibility of checking illegal mining had fallen upon him instead of the district administration. “What is the role of the DC and SSP? It is their duty to curb illegal mining, not mine. This rampant mining has led to river depletion and environmental degradation,” he asserted.
He also called for the intervention of the Lieutenant Governor (LG), emphasizing that police, SSPs, and DCs fall under the LG’s jurisdiction. “The LG must step in immediately to tackle this growing menace. We will write to the LG, informing him about the extensive illegal mining in Kathua, which has depleted rivers and destroyed mountains, severely impacting our fragile environment,” he declared.
Concerns Over Unregistered Vehicles Used in Illegal Mining
Choudhary further raised alarm over vehicles being used for illegal mining, stating that many do not have proper number plates. “If one of these vehicles is involved in an accident, how will they be traced and seized? How will the drivers be held accountable?” he questioned. He concluded by stating that he would also bring this issue to the attention of the Chief Minister. “Illegal mining is destroying our society and wreaking havoc on our environment. It is crucial to put an end to this menace immediately to protect future generations,” he affirmed while speaking to the media.
