KATHUA:  A Forest Protection Force (FPF) team has thwarted a timber smuggling attempt with timely action and alertness. As per the forest department, on getting specific inputs regarding export of willow cleft, illegally out of state,  a team led by  Deputy Director, Forest Protection Force, Gamma Unit J03 Kathua Dherminder Sharma, assisted by Assistant Director (Adm.) Rajesh Kumar,  & Assistant Director (Operation) Atul Kumar Gupta, with staff laid a Nakka on  February 9 night near Basohli More, ahead of Lakahnpur toll plaza.

At about 12.00 midnight, the suspected truck was signaled at Nakka point to stop for checking but escaped the Nakka due to heavy traffic on National Highway and left for Punjab. However, FPF team with support of senior official, immediately swung into action and with the assistance of State Police, took up the matter with Punjab Police, and intercepted the truck at Naggal.

The Truck was detained SHO, Naggal Police Station, Punjab at about 1:30 A.M. Next day, after legal formalities with Punjab Police and Punjab Forest Department, the truck was brought to FPF complex Kathua at about 6:50 A.M for further investigation.

After unloading, the team found that about 3000 willow cleft were being illegally exported out of state in violation of the Section 3,4 & 5 of J&K Willow (Prohibition on Export and Movement) Act 2002.

Accordingly, the truck along with loaded stuff was seized. Driver of the truck has also been arrested and shall be produced before Judicial Magistrate for further custody after Jama-Talashi, Medical and other formalities. Further, necessary action regarding confiscation of seized stuff and the truck has been initiated.  

Your voice can reach the world: At JK Monitor, we firmly believe that every well-researched idea has the power to inspire change beyond geographical boundaries. We are delighted to share an encouraging message from one of our esteemed contributors, Dr. Rakesh Verma (J&K Forest Services). “His article, ‘When Trees Become Rights-Bearing Citizens: A Lesson from Canada for India’s Ecological Future,’ published on JK Monitor, received appreciation from La Compagnie des Papillons Bleus, the French non-profit organisation that founded and promotes the Universal Declaration of Tree Rights.”.  Read the message here
In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family
A Profound Loss: JK Monitor Mourns the Passing of Founding Chairman Dr. Priya Ranjan

We at JK Monitor are profoundly saddened by the sudden demise of our Founding Chairman, Dr. Priya Ranjan.IN LOVING MEMORY Dr Priya Ranjan

A brilliant mind who studied at Netarhat Residential School and graduated in Electrical Engineering from IIT Kharagpur before earning his PhD from the University of Maryland, Dr. Ranjan chose to return to India and dedicate his life to teaching, research and social good.

His pioneering work in networked systems, AI, robotics and biomedical applications—especially computer-vision tools for early detection of cancer and heart disease—reflected his deep belief that advanced technology must serve humanity.

For more than 15 years at JK Monitor, he remained a loyal friend, mentor and collaborator, marked by rare humility, intellectual integrity and quiet generosity. His passing leaves a void that cannot be filled. Priya, you will be deeply missed. Your life continues to remind us that knowledge finds its highest purpose in the service of others.

— Team JK Monitor

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