JAMMU: A meeting of the Committee on Petitions of Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly was held today under the Chairmanship of Pirzada Farooq Ahmad Shah at Assembly Complex Jammu. Members, Salman Sagar, Mushtaq Guroo, Vijay Kumar besides Secretary, Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, Manoj Kumar Pandit were also present in the meeting.

The Committee had threadbare discussion on two Petitions regarding the appointment of Lumberdar Porwara and confirmation thereof and the unlawful land acquisition at Zaloosa, Charar-i-sharief, Budgam. CEO ERA, Shreya Singhal, briefed the Committee on factual position and present status of compensation cases. She assured the Chairman of the Committee that the matter will again be verified and the status will be updated accordingly.

The Chairman highlighted the objectives of the Committee and sought co-operation from the concerned departments to settle the issues mentioned in the petitions before the Committee. The Chairman directed the DC Budgam to constitute a Committee to look into the matter and submit the report in its next meeting  as whether compensation has been given to the owners of land mentioned in the petition.

The Committee asked the GAD to appoint collector in ERA to resolve the issues on priority. The Chairman also directed the DC Budgam to furnish the detailed report about steps to be taken regarding appointment of Lumberdars in Budgam district within a week's time. The Committee also sought some relevant information from CEO, ERA regarding the land acquisition issues.

The members gave their valuable suggestions and feedback towards resolution of public issues transparently and effectively through the Petitions Committee. They emphasized that each petition would be taken up seriously and reviewed thoroughly to ensure appropriate redressal. Earlier, the Committee observed two minute silence as a mark of respect to the departed soul of mother of MLA, Poonch,  Ajaz Ahmad Jan. Among others, senior officers of Revenue, JK ERA and Assembly Secretariat attended the meeting.

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