• Babar Chowdhary unanimously nominated as adhoc President, commits to resolving tourism industry issues

SRINAGAR: In a significant development, Senior JKHARA Leader and former KCCI President, Rouf Punjabi, announced the completion of the two-year term of the previous executive body and President. He stated, “After the successful completion of the stipulated term, we are dissolving the previous body.

To ensure the smooth functioning of the association during this interim period, an adhoc body has been unanimously constituted, led by Babar Chowdhary as the acting President. All members have entrusted the adhoc body, under the leadership of Mr. Chowdhary, with the responsibility of conducting elections within six months. The newly formed team includes Dr. Lateef Ahmad – Senior Vice President, Imran Sheikh – Junior Vice President, Ms. Ayesha Salam – General Secretary, Mohd Shafi – Joint General Secretary, and Ms. Nasreen Ansari – Treasurer.

This body has been entrusted with the responsibility to steer the association and effectively address the pressing issues faced by the tourism sector in Jammu & Kashmir. The body will work in close coordination with the elected government led by Omar Abdullah to ensure the concerns of stakeholders are promptly addressed. Speaking on his appointment, Mr. Babar Chowdhary said, “I am deeply thankful to all the members for unanimously nominating me as the adhoc President. The senior members and the executive body have given me a full mandate to address the critical issues plaguing the tourism sector.”

Highlighting the challenges, he remarked, “The tourism sector is currently facing several pressing issues, including lease extensions, hotel renovations, NOCs, frequent power cuts, and an unprecedented hike in utility charges. We are also pushing for the exploration of new tourist destinations and infrastructure development to accommodate tourists from across the country. It is crucial to position Jammu & Kashmir as a year-round destination with state-of-the-art facilities for all types of travelers.”

The association has also emphasized the importance of developing guesthouses, while the upcoming rail connectivity in Kashmir will ensure seamless travel for tourists. The adhoc body has pledged to work diligently until the elections are conducted and a permanent executive committee is elected. The newly formed team aims to reinvigorate the tourism sector and provide much-needed solutions to industry challenges, ensuring the sustainable growth of Jammu & Kashmir’s economy.

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

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