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

KATHUA: District Administration Kathua, in coordination with the Agriculture Department and Border Security Force, today inaugurated wheat sowing across the fence along the Indo–Pak International Border in the Hiranagar Sector. Deputy Commissioner, Rajesh Sharma accompanied by Chief Agriculture Officer, Jatinder Khajuria, Sub Divisional Magistrate Hiranagar, Phulail Singh Bandral and Commanding Officer BSF Kathua-Samba Range, M.C Pragyan formally initiated the sowing activity at Village Chack Changa.

The Deputy Commissioner said the district administration is encouraging farmers to bring more vacant land under cultivation along the international border. He said farmers are being motivated to adopt integrated farming practices and use modern machinery to reduce input costs and increase agricultural productivity. He added that the District Administration, BSF and Agriculture Department are working in coordination with farmers to ensure safe and secure sowing of wheat across the fence. The Deputy Commissioner also interacted with local farmers and reviewed their requirements.

The Chief Agriculture Officer informed that the department has set a target of wheat sowing over 270 acres across the fence. He said 100 acres of land across the border was sown today involving 21 farmers from Chack Changa and Chann Tanda. He added that field teams are providing technical support to farmers for effective sowing.

He further said that farmers are being encouraged to use tractors and allied machinery, which save time and reduce labour costs as compared to traditional practices. Progressive farmers from the border villages appreciated the efforts of the Agriculture Department for facilitating sowing on vacant land across the border. It was noted that since 2019, the department has consistently supported border area farmers and motivated them to bring more land under cultivation each season. Tehsildar Hiranagar, Anoop Kumar, SDAO Hiranagar Ashwani Sharma, AEO Marheen Jamshed Singh, JAEO Vishal and other officials of the Agriculture Department were also present.

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