The Survival Fight of JK Monitor: For 16 years, JK Monitor has chronicled Jammu and Kashmir with integrity. Since 2010, I have steered its newsroom alongside our visionary Founding Chairman, Dr. Priya Ranjan (IIT Kharagpur alumnus, University of Maryland Ph.D.). His tragic demise in October 2026 left a severe financial and operational vacuum. Without urgent support, our 24/7 news portal risks permanently shutting down after November 2026, remaining only as a static digital archive. We appeal to well-wishers to extend a helping hand to keep our active newsroom alive. Support Us: WhatsApp: +91-9906103001 | Email: journalistajmerwani@gmail.com

SRINAGAR: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who also holds the Revenue portfolio, today informed the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly that a detailed on-the-spot assessment of crop damage caused by the severe hailstorm in parts of Gulmarg Constituency is currently underway.

Replying to a Calling Attention Notice by MLA Gulmarg, Pirzada Farooq Ahmad Shah during the Autumn Session, the Chief Minister said the hailstorm occurred during the intervening night of September 11 and 12, 2026, at around 11:45 PM, affecting various villages of Tehsil Kunzer/Tangmarg.

The hailstorm caused damage to agricultural and horticultural crops, including apple orchards, maize and paddy/rice. Revenue teams, along with Agriculture and Horticulture teams, have already been deputed to the affected villages to conduct on-the-spot assessment and verification of crop damage in accordance with the prescribed norms and guidelines.

The Chief Minister said the concerned teams have been directed to furnish their detailed assessment reports at the earliest. The village-wise and crop-wise extent of damage will be intimated after the field reports are received and consolidated.

On compensation and relief, the Chief Minister said no compensation or relief has been sanctioned or released so far, as the assessment and verification process is still underway. Sanction and release of compensation, along with the details of the amount and number of beneficiaries, will follow strictly as per the prescribed relief norms after receipt and processing of the consolidated assessment report.

He further informed the House that no case has been finalized as on date, and the number of cases assessed, approved, paid and pending will be reported once the detailed assessment reports from the field functionaries are received and consolidated.

Regarding any special relief or assistance for the affected farmers and horticulturists, the Chief Minister said there is presently no such proposal with the department, as the assessment of losses is still under process in the district.

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