JAMMU: Speaker, Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, Abdul Rahim Rather, today strongly condemned the brutal killing of 26 tourists including a local pony-walla by the terrorists at Baisaran in Pahalgam on April 22. A daylong special session was called where Speaker and members expressed their anguish and shock over the barbaric terrorist attack, in which 26 innocents persons lost their lives.

Leading the obituary references during a special session of the House, the Speaker from the floor paid glowing tributes to the 26 innocent lives lost in the horrific attack.

The House solemnly remembered and honored the victims, including Vinay Narwal, N. Ramachandran, Dinesh Agarwal, Atul Shrikant Moni, Neeraj Udwani, Samer Guha, Sushil Nathyal, Sanjay Laxman, Sudeep Nopani, Bitain Adikari, Manjunath Rao, Dilip Desale, Prashant Satapati, Munish Ranjan, Syed Adil Hussain Shah, J.S. Chandar Mouli, Madhusudan Rao, Santosh Jaghdai, Kastoba Ganovota, Hemant Suhas Joshi, Shubham Diwedi, Bharat Bhushan, Sumit Parmar, Yatish Parmar, Tage Halying, and Shailesh Bhai.

The House  observed two minutes of silence as token of respect to the victims of this tragic incident. Expressing profound grief and sorrow, the Speaker called for unity against terrorism.“Let us  send a strong message to the world that the entire nation condemns this barbaric act," he said.

Emphasising the need for an unwavering resolve against terror in all its forms, the Speaker termed the killings of innocent tourists, who had come to enjoy Kashmir’s natural beauty as an assault on humanity and peace. "The attack on innocent tourists is not just a crime against individuals, but an attack on humanity itself and an attempt to disturb peace and harmony," he stated.

The Speaker extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, expressing deep solidarity and sympathy with their unimaginable pain. He called upon all sections of society to come together to reject violence and uphold the enduring values of peace, brotherhood, and unity. He said that the purpose of convening this Special Session is to deliver a clear message, that “the whole country stands united in the fight against terrorism."

Reaffirming unwavering support of the House to the victim families,  the  Speaker mourned that the dreams of tourists to witness natural beauty and make good memories in Kashmir, were brutally shattered by senseless act of violence. In order to ensure safety of Kashmiri students and business owners outside J&K, the Speaker urged the Government to take immediate steps to ensure the safety and security of tourists, citizens, businessmen and the students of Jammu and Kashmir, studying in different parts of the Country. He called upon all Members of the House to work together to create a secure environment for all our citizens and visitors.

Lastly, the Speaker urged that tribute be paid to the victims by reaffirming the commitment to peace, tolerance and compassion, ensuring that their sacrifice would not go in vain.

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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