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

JAMMU: Acting swiftly on a credible tip received by the district administration, a surprise inspection team led by Tehsildar Bahu, Raju Sambyal and Tehsildar HQ, Mona Chalotra, today raided the premises of Aman Arms Company at Railhead Shopping Complex and unearthed a series of serious violations flagged as of immediate concern to public safety and firearms regulation.

The inspection, carried out under the direct directions of District Magistrate Jammu, Dr. Rakesh Minhas, revealed that the establishment had been operating entirely without a valid arms dealership licence. The dealership licence application of Aman Shop had been rejected in the year 2024, rendering all commercial activity conducted by the shop in the capacity of an arms dealer not only unauthorised, but a direct violation of the Arms Act, 1959 and the Arms Rules, 2016.

More alarmingly, the inspection team recovered multiple Gun Licences from the premises which were last renewed from other districts including Poonch, Kishtwar, Ganderbal, Pulwama. A number of personal documents belong to license holders were also retrieved. Complaints had also been received by the district administration that the establishment was refusing to return firearms licences to their rightful holders; a practice strongly suggestive of exploitation of licence holders under the pretext of offering renewal or allied facilitation services through unauthorised, illegal means.

The District Magistrate, Dr. Rakesh Minhas, while taking serious cognisance of the violations, has directed that appropriate legal action be initiated against those responsible. He further reiterated that the district administration will continue to conduct inspections of arms dealerships and enforce full compliance with applicable laws and Home Department directives without exception.

The District Administration, Jammu, once again calls upon all arms licence holders and members of the public to exercise extreme caution and vigilance. No middleman, agent or unlicensed shop has any authority whatsoever to assist, facilitate, expedite, or accept any payment in connection with the renewal, application or surrender of firearms licences.

All services related to arms licences, including renewal of existing licences, application for fresh licences and surrender of weapons etc, can be accessed conveniently, transparently and without any intermediary through the National Database of Arms Licences — Arms Licensing and Information System (NDAL-ALIS), the official Government of India portal, accessible at https://ndal-alis.gov.in

Citizens are strongly urged to report any individual or establishment soliciting money, licences or documents on the pretext of facilitating arms licence services to the office of the District Magistrate, Jammu.

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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