In a disturbing incident that highlights the growing tension over illegal sand mining in Jammu, a group of individuals allegedly involved in the unlawful activity attacked a joint team of police and mining department officials with stones. The attack occurred in the heart of Jammu city on Tuesday, triggering concern among residents and authorities alike.
The incident was reportedly triggered after officials attempted to crack down on massive illegal sand extraction from the Tawi riverbed, a known hotspot for unauthorized mining operations. The attackers, believed to be members of the Gujjar tribal community, fled the scene, abandoning their tractors and vehicles, which were later seized by the authorities.
Illegal Mining in River Tawi Under Scrutiny
Authorities had been receiving several complaints regarding rampant illegal sand mining in River Tawi, which flows through the city and plays a crucial ecological and geographical role. Acting swiftly on the information, a team of mining officers, accompanied by local police personnel, arrived at the site to halt the operations.
However, their intervention was met with violent resistance. According to District Mining Officer (DMO) Jammu, Virender Singh, more than 60 to 70 individuals attacked the team with stones, resulting in damage to police vehicles and a dangerous standoff that lasted over an hour.
“The attack was unprovoked and extremely aggressive,” Singh told reporters. “We had barely reached the spot when a large group began hurling stones at us. The intensity of the assault was such that we narrowly escaped injury.”
Officials added that additional police forces had to be deployed to bring the situation under control. By the time reinforcements arrived, the attackers had fled, but their abandoned vehicles — including ten tractors — were confiscated.
Minors Involved in the Assault, Says Official
Perhaps the most alarming aspect of the attack was the alleged involvement of children as young as 10 to 15 years old in the stone pelting. “Even young kids joined in the attack. It’s deeply troubling to see minors being used to defend illegal activities,” Singh said.
This marks the third such violent incident targeting officials during the ongoing anti-mining drive in Jammu, signaling the rising stakes and organized nature of the illegal mining network in the region.
Crackdown Launched Against Suspects
Following the incident, Jammu police announced a crackdown to apprehend those responsible for the attack and illegal mining operations. “We have identified many of the culprits who belong to the SOS and Niki Tawi areas. All involved will be brought to justice,” a senior police official confirmed.
Authorities are also investigating whether these individuals are linked to wider networks of land grabbing and unauthorized construction, as alleged by local residents.
Public Outcry Over Unchecked Sand Mining and Violence
Local residents gathered at the site following the incident and expressed deep concern over the unchecked illegal mining in the area and the escalating violence against law enforcement. Many alleged that the attackers have long been involved in encroachments, land grabbing, and illegal constructions around Niki Tawi and SOS.
“The Tawi riverbed has become a hub of criminal activity. Illegal mining is destroying the ecology, and now officials are being attacked in broad daylight. We demand strict action,” one local resident told reporters.
Impact of Illegal Sand Mining in Jammu
The consequences of illegal sand mining in Jammu are multifaceted — from ecological degradation to increased urban flooding risks and now, a direct threat to law and order. The Tawi river, which holds both religious and environmental significance, has been exploited relentlessly in recent years despite multiple enforcement drives.
Sand mining beyond permissible limits erodes riverbanks, disturbs aquatic ecosystems, and causes irreversible damage to the natural flow of the river. Unregulated extraction has also raised concerns over collapsing bridges, vanishing biodiversity, and illegal profiteering.
The latest incident also underscores the challenges faced by officials in enforcing environmental regulations. Law enforcement teams often operate with limited resources and face violent retaliation when they attempt to dismantle illegal operations.
Despite multiple seizures and arrests over the past few years, illegal mining continues unabated, pointing toward deep-rooted corruption, poor surveillance, and political patronage.
Government Response and the Way Forward
In light of this violent episode, environmental activists and citizens are urging the Jammu and Kashmir government to take immediate and strict action. There is a growing call for:
- Increased surveillance with drone monitoring of mining zones
- Deployment of rapid action forces during anti-mining operations
- Registration of FIRs and swift prosecution of those attacking public servants
- Community engagement programs to educate local tribes and youths about the environmental and legal consequences of illegal mining
The administration must ensure that rule of law prevails, and that officers carrying out their duty are protected from such violent retaliation.
The attack on officials during an anti-sand mining drive in Jammu is more than a law-and-order issue — it’s a stark reminder of the growing nexus between illegal resource extraction and criminal resistance. As the Tawi river continues to suffer, the administration faces an urgent need to balance environmental preservation with effective enforcement.
Swift legal action, public accountability, and community cooperation are essential if Jammu is to curb illegal mining activities and restore law and order. Anything less will only embolden those who seek to profit at the expense of public safety and natural heritage.
