• Stresses strict enforcement of animal protection laws, establishment of shelter sheds and intensive public awareness campaigns

POONCH: Deputy Commissioner Poonch, Ashok Kumar Sharma today chaired a review meeting on animal welfare in the district and issued directions aimed to prevent animal cruelty and ensure humane management of stray animals.

The meeting centered on strengthening institutional mechanisms in strict adherence to the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, the Animal Birth Control (Dogs) Rules, 2023, the Supreme Court order dated 22 August 2025 and guidelines issued by the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI).

Reviewing the prevailing situation, the Deputy Commissioner emphasized the need for coordinated, time-bound implementation by all concerned departments. He directed the officials to work in close synergy for effective enforcement of statutory provisions governing animal welfare.

Stressing the importance of community participation, the DC instructed all departments to collaboratively conduct extensive public awareness programmes to highlight the importance of preventing animal cruelty, benefits of sterilization, use of designated feeding spots and legal penalties for violations.

He further directed the stakeholder departments to submit the requisite information to their respective Heads of Departments at the earliest for timely action and monitoring. The meeting was attended by Additional Deputy Commissioner Tahir Mustafa Malik; CPO Shamaun Ahmed; SE PWD Kewal Kumar; ACP, Rakesh Sharma and PO ICDS, Naheem-un-Nissa Bhatti. The SDMs joined virtually.

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