• LoP/ MLA Sunil Sharma, Div Com Jammu & IGP pay obeisance at holy Shrine
  • Take comprehensive review of arrangements for   pilgrims
  • Appeal devotees to strictly adhere to SOPs, Yatra cutoff timings

KISHTWAR:  The Shree Machail Mata Yatra 2025 commenced today amid religious fervor and traditional gaiety. The annual pilgrimage, which will continue till September 5- 2025, draws a large number of devotees from across Jammu and Kashmir and outside to pay obeisance at the Chandi Mata temple Shrine in village Machail located in the Paddar Valley.

Member Legislative Assembly Paddar-Nagseni and Leader of Opposition in J&K Assembly Sunil Kumar Sharma, Divisional Commissioner Jammu Ramesh Kumar and Inspector General of Police,Bhim Sen Tuti paid obeisance at the holy temple of Shri Chandi Mata Machail on the day one.

Later, the dignitaries reviewed the arrangements made by the District and Police Administration Kishtwar to ensure smooth and secure conduct of the yatra. Stress was laid on maintaining cleanliness and sanitation enroute, proper road maintenance especially in land slide prone area, providing adequate facilities at Langar points, ensuring uninterrupted electricity and water supply and provision of foolproof security measures.

Speaking to the media persons, the Divisional Commissioner said that the district administration and the police have made holistic arrangements for providing a smooth and hassle free yatra experience to the pilgrims of Shree Machail Mata Yatra.

“Adequate facilities have been put in place en-route from Kishtwar to Chisoti and to the Holy Shrine. The facilities include langars, toilets, help desks, medical booths and security measures for smooth and secure conduct of the annual holy Yatra,” he added.

The Div Com urged the pilgrims to strictly adhere to the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), guidelines and designated yatra timings, particularly cut-off timings for crossing specific locations.

Later, the dignitaries inaugurated a counter of traditional Laddu (Prasad) made from pure barley (Jou), run by a team from Machail. The Divisional Commissioner also interacted with the devotees and enquired about the facilities and their experience.

The review was attended by Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar, Pankaj Kumar Sharma, SSP Naresh Singh, ADC Pawan Kotwal, PO ICDS Dr. Rishi Sharma, SDM Paddar Dr. Amit Kumar, Tehsildar Headquarter Sunali Rani besides other concerned officers and officials who were directed to ensure all necessary arrangements are in place for the successful conduct of the yatra.

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