KISHTWAR.: Former Minister Ghulam Mohammad Saroori visited Ganai Mohalla, Durbeil, where a devastating fire recently engulfed a two-story house, leaving the affected families in severe distress. Saroori met with the victims and expressed deep sympathy over their tragic loss. He highlighted the dire situation of Abdul Rashid Wani's family, whose house and all belongings, including jewelry and household items gathered for an upcoming wedding, were completely destroyed in the blaze. 

The fire caused significant damage, destroying the two-story home and consuming all possessions, including wedding preparations, utensils, and gold jewelry. This incident has plunged the family into financial hardship, turning joyous wedding plans into a distressing ordeal. 

Saroori appealed to the government to provide at least ₹10 lakh in financial assistance to the affected family to help them rebuild their lives. He stressed the urgency of addressing the family's immediate needs and called for measures to prevent such tragedies in the future. 

The former minister criticized the Public Works Department (R&B) for their negligence in maintaining the local road infrastructure. He noted that the delay in extinguishing the fire was due to the inability of the fire brigade to reach the location promptly because a road wall had been in a dilapidated state for six months. 

Saroori emphasized the need to station fire brigade vehicles in areas such as Chatroo, Mughal Maidan, Kahara, Keshwan, and Bunjwah to ensure preparedness for emergencies. He recalled that a fire brigade vehicle was temporarily provided in the area but was later removed, leaving residents vulnerable to such incidents. 

Saroori was accompanied by a delegation of prominent individuals, including Tariq Wani, Ali Mohammad, Shabir Lone, Mohammad Ramzan, Kauser Hussain, Zakir Hussain, Rayees Ganai, and Baber Khan. The delegation expressed solidarity with the affected family and demanded swift action from the government to address the situation. 

The delegation urged the government to prioritize permanent fire brigade services in the region, repair the roads, and provide immediate financial aid to the affected families. Saroori highlighted the necessity of proactive measures to alleviate the suffering of the local population and prevent future disasters.

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
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

       LOOK_HERE.jpg Esteemed readers, for your convenience, we have categorized our news publishing into following 👇