SRINAGAR: Days after two Kashmiri shawl sellers were harassed and bullied in Surjanpur village of Himachal Pradesh’s Kangra district, the Himachal Pradesh Police have registered an FIR against the woman Block Development Council (BDC) member responsible. Director General of Police (DGP) Himachal Pradesh, Dr. Atul Verma, informed National Convenor of the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association, Nasir Khuehami, that strict action has been taken in the matter and an FIR has been formally registered against the accused.  

Khuehami said that the FIR, numbered 86/24, has been lodged under Sections 196(1) and 299 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Act. He said that despite the victims’ magnanimous decision to forgive the woman and request the police not to file charges, the government proceeded with registering the FIR against BDC member Sushmi Devi. The Superintendent of Police (SP) of Kangra, Shalini Agnihotri, confirmed the registration of the FIR and stated that the state government is committed to setting a strong precedent to ensure that such incidents are not repeated in the future.

Khuehami appreciated the proactive stance and intervention of Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Sukhu, DGP Himal Pradesh Dr Atul Verma, and the Himachal Pradesh police, emphasizing that acts of communal prejudice must be addressed decisively to safeguard communal harmony. He reiterated that while the woman had expressed regret and issued a formal apology for her behaviour, justice must not be compromised, particularly in cases where Kashmiri, marginalized and minority communities are targeted. Khuehami asserted, “This step sends a strong message that hate and harassment will not be tolerated." We are committed to ensuring the safety of students from Jammu and Kashmir studying in the state and Kashmiri labourers working here.

They will not be harmed or harassed at any cost,” Chief Ministers Principal Media Advisor Naresh Chauhan informed Khuehami.The National Spokesperson of the Association, Aadil Bhat, commended Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and Principal Media Advisor Naresh Chauhan for their swift intervention. Bhat stated that such measures restore faith among Kashmiri and minority communities, ensuring their safety and dignity are upheld. “Communal harmony is fragile, and incidents like this can have far-reaching consequences. We urge authorities across states to adopt a zero-tolerance policy against hate-based actions,” he added.

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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