KESHWAN (KISHTWAR): A Congress-led delegation headed by former minister and senior Congress leader G. M. Saroori visited Keshwan today to meet a family whose double–triple storey house was completely destroyed in a devastating fire. Saroori expressed deep concern over the incident and urged the administration and public bodies to provide immediate relief.
Former Minister and senior Congress leader G. M. Saroori today led a Congress delegation to Village Balna, near Jumna, in Balna Panchayat (Ward No. 3 of Keshwan), where the house of Sajjad Hussain, son of Abdul Majid, was reduced to ashes in a massive fire incident. The cause of the fire is yet to be investigated, but the entire multi-storey residential structure was completely gutted, leaving the family homeless.
While interacting with the affected family, Saroori inspected the burnt remains of the double-storey house and personally assessed the extensive loss suffered by them. He expressed deep sympathy and concern over the hardships the victims are currently facing, especially with the winter season at its peak.
Saroori urged Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, and the District Development Commissioner to extend immediate financial and material assistance to the family. He appealed to the administration to ensure quick relief, adequate compensation, and rehabilitation for the victims so they are not forced to live in the open during harsh weather conditions.
He also called upon NGOs and volunteer groups to come forward and support the family in this hour of crisis, emphasizing that living without shelter during winter is extremely difficult and poses serious health risks. Saroori further appealed to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to provide help through the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund.
During the visit, Saroori assured the victims that the Congress Party will actively pursue all possible assistance for reconstruction of the damaged house. He also provided relief on the spot and committed to personally helping the family in rebuilding their home.
Raising another serious concern, Saroori highlighted the precarious situation in Sheikhpora where PDD poles are mounted on trees, posing a constant danger of short circuits and frequent fire incidents. He urged the Power Development Department to immediately replace these makeshift poles with proper electric poles to prevent future accidents.
Saroori reiterated that no affected family will be left unheard and that the Congress Party stands firmly with all victims to ensure timely support and complete rehabilitation.
In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family

I will always remember Dr. Priya Ranjan not only as the Chairman of JK Monitor, but as a mentor, guide and elder brother whose kindness profoundly shaped my life and work. Write a tribute at In Loving Memory · Dr. Priya Ranjan
When he appointed me Editor-in-Chief of JK Monitor, he never treated me as an employee, but as a younger brother, offering warmth, trust, respect and invaluable guidance. I will always be grateful for his faith in me, his encouragement and the lessons he shared.
Dr. Ranjan was a rare and noble soul—humble, compassionate, intellectually brilliant and always willing to help others. A visionary thinker, he believed in using knowledge and abilities to make a meaningful difference. His influence lives on through the people he guided, the work he inspired and the countless lives he touched.
For me, he will always be the elder brother who believed in me and guided me with affection. I will cherish his kindness and lessons forever. May his soul rest in eternal peace. He will be deeply missed and never forgotten.
(Ajmer Alam Wani)

