Srinagar, Feb 04:  Jammu and Kashmir police on Friday claimed to have arrested 13 persons involved in illegal extraction and transportation of minerals from river Veshaw and other nallahs in South KAshmir’s Kulgam district.

A police spokesman in a statement  said that the officers from Police Station Kulgam and Police Station Qaimoh have arrested 13 persons involved in illegal extraction and transportation of minerals from river Veshaw and other Nallahs.

The arrested persons have been identified as Athar Bashir Pala resident of Bhan, Mushtaq Ahmad Sheikh resident of Bhan, Showkat Ahmad Bhat resident of Bhan, Gh Qadir Shah resident of Mah, Subzar Ahmad Shah resident of Mah, Showkat Ahmad Shah resident of Mah, Mohd Amin Buhroo resident of Matalhama, Mohd Amin Dar resident of Matalhama, Gulzar Ahmad Reshi resident of Matalhama, Bilal Ahmad Dar resident of Matalhama, Shakir Ahmad Bhat, Gulzar Ahmad Bhat, Mohd Abass Bhat all three residents of Thokerpora Qaimoh. They have been shifted to police station where they remain in custody.

Accordingly, police said that cases under relevant sections of law stands registered at respective police stations and further investigation have been initiated.

Meanwhile, police said that persons found indulging in illegal mining activities shall be dealt as per law. “Community members are requested to share information regarding the crimes in their neighbourhood with the local police units.”.