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
  • Says it is a wake-up call, calls for early warning systems to avert such disasters

SRINAGAR: People’s Democratic Front (PDF) President and former minister Hakeem Yaseen on Thursday expressed profound grief and sorrow over the tragic cloudburst that struck Chasoti village, located on the route to the revered Machail Mata shrine in Kishtwar district.  The disaster, which has left several persons feared dead and many others missing, has plunged the region into deep mourning.

Calling the calamity “the biggest loss” for the affected families and the entire Kishtwar region in recent years, he said the tragedy has left every member of the PDF leadership and cadre heartbroken. Yaseen extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for eternal peace to the departed souls, while also wishing speedy recovery to the injured.

“This calamity has shaken us all to the core. The pain of losing loved ones in such a sudden and devastating manner is beyond words. Our prayers are with the families who have suffered irreparable losses, and with those still awaiting news of missing relatives,” he said. The former minister urged the Lieutenant Governor-led administration to immediately scale up rescue and relief operations by mobilising National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams, medical personnel, heavy machinery, and adequate relief material to the disaster site.

He called for setting up temporary shelters equipped with food, drinking water, blankets, and medicines, as well as ensuring swift evacuation of those in danger. Yaseen also stressed the importance of comprehensive rehabilitation measures, including financial compensation to the affected families, rebuilding damaged homes, and restoring livelihoods.

Expressing concern over the recurrence of such natural calamities in the region, Yaseen urged authorities to treat this incident as a wake-up call. He recommended the installation of early warning systems in disaster-prone zones, periodic safety audits of pilgrimage routes and hilly areas, and training local communities in emergency response.

“Beyond mourning, there is a responsibility to act. This tragedy must push us to strengthen our disaster preparedness so that such heartbreaking incidents can be prevented in the future,” Yaseen said. The PDF President concluded by assuring the people of Kishtwar that his party stands in solidarity with them during this hour of grief and will extend every possible support in coordination with the administration and relief agencies.

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