JAMMU: The Jammu and Kashmir Border Area Development Conference (JK-BADC), a registered organization working actively for the welfare of tribal and border residents of Jammu and Kashmir, has strongly appealed to the District Administration Poonch as well as the J&K Government to provide immediate and adequate relief to the victim families who have suffered losses due to continuous rainfall and harsh weather conditions in various areas of border town Mendhar.

Dr. Shazad Ahmed Malik, Chairman of JK-BADC and former Vice Chancellor, urged the authorities to take serious note of the situation and initiate prompt relief measures for the affected people. He emphasized that the government must act without delay and offer every possible assistance to those whose lives and properties have been impacted by the recent downpour.

Dr. Shazad further shared that his organization has already written a detailed letter in June-2025 to the Deputy Commissioner of Poonch, urging the district administration to chalk out a proactive and comprehensive plan to deal with  monsoon-related disasters in the region, especially considering the vulnerability of this hilly district to such natural calamities.

He specifically mentioned that residents of Panchayat Sangiote in Block Balakote have been the worst hit in the recent spell of bad weather. Not only have several residential houses suffered damage, but other public and private infrastructure has also been badly affected, including a local Madrasa that caters to the educational needs of the area.

Dr. Shazad also drew attention to reports received by his organization from local villagers, which suggest that some excavation work was carried out by a construction company in the same Panchayat. That work, however, was left incomplete and abandoned about a month ago. He alleged that this abandoned excavation may have directly contributed to the damage caused to homes and buildings in the area. He demanded that a proper probe be ordered to investigate the matter and that responsibility must be fixed, with necessary action taken against those found guilty.

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