The violent attack on the joint team of Geology and Mining staff and police by the mining mafia near the Tawi River is a stark reminder of the gravity of the illegal mining menace in Jammu. Despite repeated warnings from the High Court of Jammu Kashmir and Ladakh, which imposed a ban on mining activities in the Tawi River downstream of the Sidhra Bypass bridge, illegal operators continue to act with audacity. The incident, which saw the mafia pelting stones at law enforcement and damaging the DMO’s vehicle, exposes a deep-rooted problem of impunity and lack of preparedness in dealing with these rogue elements. The mining mafia has turned increasingly organised and emboldened, evident from how they responded to the official operation. Armed with information, these illegal operators mobilised quickly, assembling dozens of men to repel the joint G&M and police team. This kind of swift retaliation indicates premeditation and a high degree of coordination between the mafia and local enablers who continue to leak critical information, thwarting efforts at enforcing the law.
What is especially disturbing is the vulnerability of those tasked with implementing the law. The police team, who had reportedly been advised to carry weapons in anticipation of trouble, were ill-prepared, leading them to flee the scene, leaving the G&M staff exposed to the assault. In a region where illegal mining is a lucrative business, one would expect a higher level of readiness from the authorities in cracking down on offenders, especially in sensitive operations conducted at night. It’s time for the administration, including law enforcement agencies and the G&M Department, to work in closer coordination, taking into account the mafia’s evolving tactics. Intelligence must be strengthened, and officers should be adequately armed and prepared to face resistance. Furthermore, swift legal action, including prompt arrests and seizure of equipment, is necessary to send a strong message to those defying the law. The HC’s directives cannot be ignored and the administration must ensure that no gaps are left for the mafia to exploit.
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