POONCH: Deputy Commissioner Poonch Vikas Kundal today chaired a meeting with district officers to formulate a coordinated strategy for the assessment and verification of damages caused due to recent cross border shelling in the district. The meeting discussed the constitution of Village Level Committees (VLCs) for carrying out detailed, on ground assessment of affected structures across the border villages.

The meeting was attended in person by Additional District Development Commissioner (ADDC), Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC), Assistant Commissioner Revenue (ACR), Tehsildar Haveli, and Headquarters Tehsildar. Sub Divisional Magistrates of Surankote and Mendhar, along with Tehsildars of Mandi, Mankote, Surankote and Balakote, joined the session virtually, ensuring representation from all affected areas and administrative subdivisions.

The Deputy Commissioner laid out the plan for constituting village level assessment teams that will include officials from the Rural Development and Panchayati Raj (RD&PR) Department, the Revenue Department, Animal and Sheep Husbandry, the Public Health Engineering (PHE) Department, Public works department and Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY).  

These committees will visit the affected locations to verify and document the extent of damage to structures caused by the shelling. The damage will be classified into three categories, full damage, severe damage, and partial damage based on the physical condition of each structure. Moreover, the damages would be categorized as private property, commercial and government owned, thereby ensuring a comprehensive profile of all losses sustained.

The Deputy Commissioner Poonch emphasized the need for a swift and transparent verification process to ensure timely assistance and rehabilitation of affected families. He directed all concerned departments to provide full cooperation to the committees and ensure accurate documentation, supported by photographic and written evidence. The administration will review the progress of this initiative in the coming days, with follow-up meetings scheduled to address emerging challenges and expedite the response efforts.

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