KULGAM AND AWANTIPORA: Continuing its efforts to eradicate the menace of drug abuse from the society, Police have arrested four drug peddlers in Kulgam and Awantipora including a Nepali national.

Police in Kulgam intercepted a vehicle at Alstop Chowk, Mir Bazar, and recovered charas weighing 1.100 kilograms from its luggage compartment. During checking, a Nepal national, identified as Lalit Giri son of Narender Giri resident of Jajhar Kote, Nepal, was found in possession of the contraband substance. He was traveling in a vehicle bearing registration number JK07-5482, driven by Asad Ullah son of Mohd Qasim resident of Kargil. The accused was arrested and the vehicle used in the commission of the crime has also been seized.

Accordingly, a case FIR No. 239/2025 under sections 8/20 of the NDPS Act has been registered at Police Station Qazigund, and further investigation has been taken up to identify the backward and forward linkages of the drug network.

Preliminary investigation revealed that the Nepal national had entered India about six days ago, procured the contraband from an area in Shimla, and was enroute to Ladakh for drug peddling purposes. Investigation in the matter is still going on.

In Awantipora, a Police team of Police Station Pampore at a checkpoint established at Laterbal near Gas Plant, Pampore arrested three drug peddlers identified as Ashfaq Ahmad Khanday son of Ghulam Qadir resident of Wuyan, Muhammad Maqbool Rather son of Abdul Ahad resident of Pustona Tral and Abid Hussain Khan son of Nazir Ahmad Khan resident of Larow, Tral.

During search, police recovered 725 grams of Bung Chura and 25 grams of Charas-like substance from their possession. Accordingly, a case vide FIR No. 119/2025 under relevant sections of law has been registered at Police Station Pampore. J&K Police urge the community members to come forward with any information regarding drug peddling or related activities.

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