In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family

JAMMU: The recent selection of the Jammu and Kashmir Under-14 Cricket Team has once again exposed the deep-rooted, systematic discrimination being meted out to the Jammu region. The selection of 13 players from Kashmir and only 3 from Jammu is not a coincidence—it is a clear, deliberate, and politically motivated act that reflects regional bias rather than merit.

This shameful imbalance proves that talent, performance, and hard work of Jammu’s young cricketers have been blatantly ignored, while regionalism and power-preservation have become the real criteria for selection under the present dispensation.

The Omar Abdullah-led government is directly accountable for this injustice. The so-called Sports Minister, Satish Sharma, has completely failed in his constitutional and moral duty to safeguard the interests of Jammu’s youth. Instead of acting as a guardian of sports and fairness, his tenure has become synonymous with the destruction of sporting merit, politicisation of selection processes, and crushing the aspirations of Jammu’s young talent.

Let it be made absolutely clear:

This is not merely a sports-related issue.

This is a direct attack on Jammu’s identity, self-respect, and future.

Young players who rightfully deserved opportunities have been deliberately sidelined, sending a dangerous message that youth from Jammu are second-class citizens in their own Union Territory.

Enough is enough. The people of Jammu will no longer tolerate this injustice in silence. We issue a clear and final warning to the Jammu and Kashmir government:

Immediately reform the selection process, ensure transparency, merit, and regional balance, and deliver justice to Jammu’s youth;

OR Sports Minister Satish Sharma must take moral responsibility for this failure and resign without delay.

If this discrimination continues, the responsibility for the growing anger and unrest among Jammu’s youth will rest squarely on the shoulders of the Omar Abdullah government. Jammu will not beg for its rights, Jammu will demand justice.

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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