• Issues of farmers residing along IB discussed in detail

KATHUA: Kathua Administration today convened a public outreach meeting at Border Out Post (BOP) Manyari to listen to the issues and grievances of border residents. The meeting was attended by MLA Hiranagar Vijay Kumar, Deputy Commissioner Kathua, Rajesh Sharma and DIG BSF SHQ Vidhur Bhardwaj, who interacted with the local population and took stock of their concerns.

Detailed deliberations were held on key issues projected by the residents, mainly pertaining to pending land compensation and rent in lieu of land acquired or utilized by Defence authorities, including BSF and Army along the International Border. The residents sought rightful compensation for land used for construction of bunkers, ditch-cum-bunds and other utilities, besides land falling within the 44 feet and 135 feet fencing zones.

Issues related to rejuvenation of ponds, establishment of Health & Wellness Centres, installation of tube wells, extension of watershed schemes in border areas and channelization of nallahs affected during recent floods were also discussed. Former PRI members and local representatives projected a number of issues of the villagers. The MLA Hiranagar appreciated the initiative of the District Administration and BSF authorities to provide the border residents a platform to project their issues.

The Deputy Commissioner, while addressing the gathering, said that the outreach programme aims to bring all stakeholders on a common platform for effective redressal of issues of border residents, particularly farmers affected due to land utilization along the border. He added that the issues raised would be taken up with the appropriate authorities for timely resolution, while those pertaining to the district administration would be addressed on priority.

The DIG BSF assured that genuine issues of the border residents, especially related to pending compensation and rent, will be taken up at appropriate levels for necessary action on priority. Earlier, the Executive Engineer CPWD apprised the meeting that tenders have been floated for repair of infrastructure damaged due to recent floods, including the construction of culverts, which is expected to significantly mitigate the issue of water stagnation in the affected areas.

Commandants of 159 BN and 107 BN BSF, ACR Vishav Partap Singh; SDM Hiranagar Phulail Singh; CPO, Ranjeet Thakur; Tehsildar Hiranagar Anup Sharma; Tehsildar Marheen Lekh Raj; Defence Estate Officer, XENs from PDD, PMGSY, PWD and CPWD, CAO, CAHO, District Ayush Officer, Wildlife Warden, DIO, BMO and a large number of residents from Bobiya, Manyari, Chak Changa and adjoining villages were also present on the occasion.

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
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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