JAMMU: J&K BJP VDG Cell Convenor, Basant Raj Thakur, has strongly condemned the shocking and unlawful incident in which certain police officials grossly misused their authority, misrepresented their uniform, and acted in blatant violation of the law.

Narrating the sequence of events, Thakur stated that on the intervening night of 14th August 2025, some suspicious persons were noticed inside the premises of Primary School, Pernote, situated in Tehsil Thathri, District Doda. A vigilant member of the Village Defence Group (VDG), Balbir Singh Manhas, resident of Pernote, along with his neighbors, immediately took note of the incident. In line with his responsibility towards ensuring the safety and security of his village, Balbir Singh repeatedly questioned the intruders, demanding that they identify themselves. However, no response was forthcoming.

Realizing the potential danger, Balbir Singh attempted to alert other VDG members. Left with no option and in order to deter the suspicious elements from causing harm to his village, he was compelled to fire a warning shot in the air. This act was purely preventive in nature, aimed at safeguarding the lives and property of innocent villagers.

Shockingly, on the very next morning i.e., 15th August 2025, officials from Police Post Premnagar unlawfully detained Balbir Singh. What followed was a shameful episode of custodial excess, where he was subjected to brutal third-degree torture at the hands of the DySP Thathri (Probationer) and one police official from Premnagar. As a result, Balbir Singh sustained severe injuries, his body bearing marks of inhumane assault, and had to be hospitalized for medical treatment.

Expressing his anguish, Basant Raj Thakur demanded that the Senior Superintendent of Police, Doda, immediately take cognizance of the matter and book the guilty officers under relevant provisions of law. He further appealed to the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor, Sh. Manoj Sinha Ji, to personally intervene in the case and ensure strict and exemplary action against those responsible, so that the dignity of law and the security role of VDG members is safeguarded in future.

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