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JAMMU: BJP VDG Cell State Convener Basant Raj Thakur has urged the Jammu and Kashmir government to immediately provide a government job to a family member of the late Swami Raj, a Village Defense Guard (VDG) member who lost his life while performing his duty in Bhatwal area of Billawar.

Basant Raj Thakur, accompanied by Dr. Pardeep Mahotra, Media Incharge, J&K BJP and VDG Cell Co-convenor Ramesh Katoch, was addressing a press conference at party headquarters, Trikuta Nagar, Jammu.

Basant Raj Thakur, while addressing the media persons, said that Late Swami Raj was the sole bread earner for his family, which includes his wife Sato Devi, three sons, and a daughter. His untimely death has left the family in deep distress, both emotionally and financially.

In light of VDG’s sacrifice, Basant Raj Thakur has made a strong appeal to the government to not only provide a job to one of the family members but also to transfer his government-issued gun to his wife, Sato Devi, to ensure continued security and a sense of protection for the family.

Thakur said that Swami Raj laid down his life protecting his village and performing his duty as a VDG member. It is the moral responsibility of the government to stand by his family in this time of crisis. A government job to one of the family members would provide them financial security and dignity.  The transfer of his weapon to his wife will serve as both a symbolic and practical step to ensure her safety.

Basant Raj Thakur further emphasized the critical role that VDGs play in safeguarding vulnerable border and rural areas from terrorism and infiltration, particularly in regions like Doda, Kishtwar, Bhaderwah, Ramban, Udhampur, Samba, Reasi, Billawar, Basohli, Rajouri, Poonch and many more areas. He added that the government must recognize and honour the sacrifices made by VDGs, many of whom serve in extremely dangerous and challenging conditions. He called upon senior government officials to expedite the necessary formalities and act with compassion and urgency.

“VDGs are the first line of defense in their villages. Their families should never feel abandoned in times of grief,” Thakur said and added that the BJP VDG Cell stands united in support of Swami Raj’s family and all other VDG families who have sacrificed for the safety and security of Jammu and Kashmir.

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