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
  • Urges Centre to announce dates for J&K statehood restoration
  •  Taj of India deserves respect, tourism bans should be lifted as assured by LG Sinha to me
  • Hydel projects ready, awaiting tenders and work

BUDGAM: People’s Democratic Front (PDF) President and former minister Hakeem Yaseen today called upon Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah to end the prevailing uncertainty over Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood by announcing a clear timeline for its restoration. Addressing a one-day party convention at Arizal in the Khansahib constituency of central Kashmir’s Budgam district, Hakeem Yaseen said political leaders and the public have been left in doubt for weeks over the promised statehood.

“Rumours and speculation are creating further confusion among the masses. If J&K is truly the ‘Taj of India’, as the Union Government often describes it, then that Taj must be respected by honouring commitments. The announcement for statehood should be made in Parliament without further delay,” he said. Hakeem Yaseen stressed that fulfilling this commitment would not only restore public trust but also help address issues like unemployment, stalled development, and the economic distress caused by pending EMIs, bank loans, and business uncertainty.

Hakeem also appealed for the immediate revocation of restrictions on major tourist destinations in Budgam, including Doodhpathri, Yousmarg, and Tosamaidan. He noted that these bans have badly hit the tourism-dependent economy, depriving thousands of families of their livelihoods in sectors like transport, pony services, hotels, handicrafts, and local markets.

“The Lieutenant Governor has assured me during a recent meeting that these restrictions will be lifted soon. We expect this promise to be implemented on a fast-track basis. The revival of tourism will open multiple avenues for self-employment and economic revival,” he said.

Highlighting the need for infrastructure-driven job creation, Hakeem said that mini-hydel projects in Suknag and Shaliganga are ready for execution but remain stalled. “These projects can generate much-needed employment for local youth and also meet the region’s power needs. Their immediate commissioning should be a priority,” he demanded.

The convention witnessed large participation from locals, including youth and senior citizens. Several individuals joined the PDF on the occasion, pledging to work for the welfare and development of the region under Hakeem Yaseen’s leadership.

Reiterating his call for decisive action, Hakeem said, “It is time for the Government of India to fulfil its commitments. A clear date for restoring J&K’s statehood will bring a sigh of relief to our people, end speculation, and pave the way for stability and growth.”

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