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  • Affirms Modi Govt’s commitment to Gurez-Bandipora Tunnel Project
  • Chairs meeting with senior officers, calls for enhanced awareness of Govt schemes

BANDIPORA: On the third day of his visit to Bandipora district, senior BJP leader and Rajya Sabha MP, Er. Gulam Ali Khatana paid a surprise visit to Gurez Hospital and chaired a meeting with senior officers. The MP, accompanied by former MLA and senior BJP leader, Faqir Mohammad Khan, ST Morcha President, Arshad Khan, and other party leaders, also addressed a public gathering of over 700 people at the Dak Bungalow.

During his surprise visit to the hospital, Khatana interacted with patients and staff, asking the medical personnel to provide the best possible healthcare facilities to the local population. The MP’s hands-on approach highlighted the government’s commitment to improving healthcare services in remote areas.

Addressing the gathering at the Dak Bungalow, Khatana emphasized the Modi government’s priority of developing every corner of the country, regardless of geographical barriers and without discrimination. He stated, “The proposed tunnel between Gurez and Bandipora is a top priority for Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji’s government. This project aims to provide all-weather road connectivity to locals, as Gurez remains cut off from the rest of the world for six months due to heavy snowfall.”

In a meeting with local officers, the MP directed them to disseminate information about centrally sponsored schemes in local languages and conduct regular awareness camps. This initiative is aimed at ensuring that the masses can fully avail themselves of various welfare and developmental schemes.

Former MLA and BJP leader Faqir Mohammad Khan brought attention to alleged embezzlement in the Grameen Bank, urging that the hard-earned money of the people be returned respectfully. Khan also called for an audit of all centrally sponsored schemes in the area, signally pilferage of public money. Additionally, he requested an increase in the rice quota provided by the CAPD from 5 to 10 kg per person.

Addressing the unique challenges faced by the region, Khan proposed, “Tenders for development works in the area should be called in offline mode. Due to snow, we have only six months to complete works in Gurez, and the online process is very time-consuming. The government should consider our demand.”

District President, ST Morcha BJP, Irshad Ahmed Khan raised the issue of over 400 refugee families who sought asylum in Gurez in 1947, calling for a special package for their settlement. He also highlighted the need for a permanent principal at GDC Gurez, stating that the current arrangement of an additional charge by another principal is affecting the college’s functioning.

The local leaders also demanded the launch of new projects in the area and a special recruitment drive to address unemployment concerns. The visit of MP Gulam Ali Khatana underscores the BJP’s efforts to connect with remote areas and address long-standing issues. The focus on healthcare, infrastructure development, and welfare schemes reflects the party’s commitment to inclusive growth. However, the demands raised by local leaders, including concerns about financial irregularities and the need for tailored administrative processes, highlight the complex challenges facing this geographically isolated region.

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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