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: The government will extend financial assistance to all eligible farmers affected by the hailstorm that occurred during the intervening night of September 18 and 19, 2026 in various areas of Srigufwara and Bijbehara.

This was stated by Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary who was replying, on behalf of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, to a Calling Attention Motion moved by Legislator Dr. Bashir Ahmad ShahVeeri.

The Dy CM stated that the government has put in place a mechanism to assess the crop damage and extend financial assistance to the eligible affected farmers under the applicable relief and crop insurance mechanisms.

“The farmers enrolled under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) will receive financial settlement directly from the designated insurance companies after proper verification. Besides, the farmers who have not registered themselves under PMFBY may be compensated under the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF),” he stated.

Regarding the extent of damage, the Dy CM said that as per the preliminary assessment, 83.5 hectares of agricultural land belonging to 415 farmers has been affected. In several locations, damage to paddy crops has been assessed in the range of 70 to 95 per cent, with the highest damage reported in Trai-Sakhras and Hanumanpora areas.

In the horticulture sector, preliminary damage ranging between 5 and 15 per cent has been reported across areas including Hafizabad, Arwani, Rakh Moman, Marhama, T.M. Shah, Semthan, Baliyar, Trail, Hanumanpora, Adlash and Chandpora.

The Deputy Chief Minister said that the concerned field agencies have been directed to undertake proper assessment and verification of crop losses to ensure that the eligible farmers receive relief as per the prescribed provisions.

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