In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family
  • Says Govt disconnected from public sentiments, failing to protect Kashmir’s cultural values
  • "f Khelo India is under tight security, how was this fashion show allowed?

SRINAGAR: Hakeem Muhammad Yaseen, President of Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Democratic Front (PDF) and former minister, on Monday strongly criticized the government for claiming ignorance about the controversial fashion show held in Gulmarg during the holy month of Ramzan. Terming the government’s stance as highly irresponsible, Hakeem Yaseen questioned how Chief Minister Omar Abdullah could be unaware of such an event when he holds the tourism portfolio.

 “It is a matter of serious concern. How can the Chief Minister claim he was not aware of the event? If he doesn’t know what is happening under his watch, what kind of governance is this? How can we expect such a government to safeguard the interests of the people?” he asked. Hakeem Yaseen also raised concerns about the security protocols under which such an event was conducted, given that Khelo India Winter Games in Gulmarg are being held under tight security.

 “If security agencies are meticulously screening activities in Gulmarg, how was this fashion show allowed? Who granted the permission? The government owes an explanation to the people,” he asserted. Reacting to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s statement in the Assembly, where he claimed the government had no role in organizing the event and that it was held at a private venue, Hakeem Yaseen said such clarifications were insufficient.

He demanded an impartial probe into how the event was approved and who facilitated it. “Merely distancing the government from the controversy is not enough. The administration must reveal who authorized the event and under what pretext it was allowed to proceed,” he stated. He further criticized the government for failing to uphold the sentiments of the people and questioned whether such events were part of a larger agenda to erode Kashmir’s cultural and religious identity.

“The people of Kashmir will not tolerate such blatant disregard for their beliefs and values. This government has repeatedly shown that it is disconnected from the aspirations and sensitivities of the people,” he added. Hakeem Yaseen urged the administration to take swift action against those responsible for permitting the controversial event. “This is a direct affront to the religious sentiments of the people. The government must take immediate corrective measures and ensure that such incidents do not occur in the future,” he added.

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
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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