The Survival Fight of JK Monitor: For 16 years, JK Monitor has chronicled Jammu and Kashmir with integrity. Since 2010, I have steered its newsroom alongside our visionary Founding Chairman, Dr. Priya Ranjan (IIT Kharagpur alumnus, University of Maryland Ph.D.). His tragic demise in October 2026 left a severe financial and operational vacuum. Without urgent support, our 24/7 news portal risks permanently shutting down after November 2026, remaining only as a static digital archive. We appeal to well-wishers to extend a helping hand to keep our active newsroom alive. Support Us: WhatsApp: +91-9906103001 | Email: journalistajmerwani@gmail.com
  • Awareness and disposal of FRA claims of ST community held; locals project developmental demands

SHOPIAN: On the eve of Jan Jatiya Gaurav Diwas, celebrated on the birth anniversary of Shri Birsa Munda Ji, a Mega Gram Sabha was organized by the Tribal Affairs Department, District Shopian in collaboration with District Administration Shopian. The Gram Sabha was held for awareness and disposal of claims of ST community including AKs/ASKs / Dajgua and others under the Forest Rights Act, 2006.

Program Officer ICDS Shopian, Mohammad Imran Khan, who is also Nodal Officer for Tribal Department District Shopian, Block Development Officer Kanjiullar, Tariq Ahmad Padder, besides officials from Tribal Department and other line departments were also present on the occasion.

During the programme, detailed awareness was given regarding the highlights of the Forest Rights Act, including individual and community rights, procedure for filing claims, role of Gram Sabha and Forest Rights Committees, and the benefits accruing to the tribal community under the Act. Claims of the ST community were also taken up for disposal.

On the occasion, the locals projected several demands including check Shamshipora, establishment of a library, macadamization of link road, macadamization of main road from Jamia Masjid to house of Ab Rahim Sheikh, and provision of drinking water reservoir for the tribal community.

The people also demanded establishment of a Primary Health Centre for the said area and construction of bund of Nallah. The officers gave a patient hearing to the demands and assured that all genuine demands would be taken up with the concerned departments for early redressal.

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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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