JAMMU: The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) leaders on Monday stepped up their campaign for Shamim Begum, the party’s candidate for the 77-Nagrota Assembly bye-election, vowing to restore the constituency’s legacy as a hub of development, progress, and inclusive growth.

Leading the campaign, Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary and Cabinet Minister Javed Rana, accompanied by senior party leaders and legislators, Provincial President Jammu Rattan Lal Gupta, Arjun Singh, Er. Khursheed and Javed Iqbal addressed a series of public gatherings at Jindrah and Bambyal in Nagrota constituency.

Addressing the gatherings, Surinder Choudhary said that the “development reversals” suffered by Nagrota during the BJP’s “decade-long indirect misrule” would be corrected once Shamim Begum is elected.

“Under the BJP, Nagrota’s developmental tempo was derailed. Our focus will be on augmenting road connectivity, healthcare, education, and basic services. The wave of transformation seen across Jammu and Kashmir under the National Conference will soon reach Nagrota,” Choudhary asserted.

In his address, Javed Rana highlighted that Omar Abdullah’s leadership had restored public trust in democratic institutions that had been undermined during the BJP’s rule.

“The biggest achievement of the Omar Abdullah-led government has been opening the corridors of power to the common people, who were earlier denied a voice in their own development,” Rana said.

He added that the government’s inclusive approach—through consultations with traders, legislators, and the public during the first budget—has revitalized economic activity, particularly after the restoration of the Darbar Move.

“Whatever infrastructure exists in Nagrota today was established during our previous NC government. In the coming years, we will further invest in roads, education, and health, taking Nagrota to new heights. Shamim Ji’s victory will further strengthen our hands,” Rana emphasized.

Rattan Lal Gupta, Provincial President (Jammu), said there is a “clear wave” in favor of the National Conference from Kupwara to Kathua, as seen recently in the Rajya Sabha elections.

“People see a ray of hope in Omar Abdullah and his team,” Gupta said. “Our party has always represented secularism and inclusivity. Shamim Ji embodies that spirit—she has worked tirelessly as a DDC for people across all communities. Her victory will ensure holistic and people-centric development in Nagrota.”

Addressing the gatherings, Shamim Begum urged the voters to give a decisive mandate to the National Conference. “Together, we can build a Nagrota that truly reflects our shared aspirations for peace, progress, and prosperity,” she said.

Among others who were present in the meeting included: Bimla Luthra former MLA, Deepinder Kour Former MLC, Vijay Lochan Chairman SC Cell, Abdul Gani Teli Chairman OBC Cell, Rakesh Singh Raka Vice President Central Zone, Raghvir Singh Manhas District President Jammu Rural A, Sunil Verma District President Udhampur Urban, Ram Parshotam District President Udhampur Rural, Dilshad Malik, Rita Gupta Vice Presidents Central Zone, Rajni Devi Working President Women Wing Jammu, Akash Verma Additional Spokesperson Jammu, Siraj Din Block President, Ashok Singh and others. 

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