POONCH: Marking the 79th Independence Day of the nation, Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, hoisted the National Flag at the Sports Stadium Poonch during a magnificent ceremony that radiated patriotic fervour across the district.

The celebrations were graced by DDC Chairperson Tazeem Akhter, Deputy Commissioner Poonch Ashok Kumar Sharma and Senior Superintendent of Police Poonch Shafket Hussain Bhat, along with DDC Members Abdul Ghani and Riaz Naz besides PRIs, senior district officials, representatives of the armed forces, civil society members, students and citizens from all corners of the district.

The Minister inspected the ceremonial parade and took the salute, upholding the rich traditions and spirit of the national celebration. In his address, Javed Ahmed Rana began by expressing deep sorrow over the loss of lives caused by the recent cloudbursts in Kishtwar district. He conveyed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and assured that the Government is making all-out efforts to conduct swift rescue operations and provide comprehensive assistance to the injured and displaced.

Paying homage to the indomitable spirit and supreme sacrifices of the freedom fighters, the Minister urged everyone to reaffirm their collective commitment to the ideals they valiantly championed. He lauded Poonch’s illustrious legacy of courage and resilience, noting that the district continues to embody the spirit of unity and fortitude in the shared endeavour to build a stronger, more inclusive and equitable India.

Rana emphasized the pivotal role played by the people of Poonch in safeguarding the national unity and enriching India’s democratic ethos. He reiterated the commitment of the Omar Abdullah-led Government to environmental sustainability, the holistic development of tribal communities and ensuring the water security through robust initiatives under the Jal Shakti Mission.

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