• Express condolences to the deceased families; Demand accountability

JAMMU: The Jammu & Kashmir national Conference Wednesday expressed profound grief and anger over the tragic death of more than 30 pilgrims and questioned the LG's decision, who is also the Chairman of SMVD board, to let Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra continue inspite of the inclement weather forecast. 

In a joint statement Additional General Secretary Ajay Kumar Sadhotra and Provincial President Rattan Lal Gupta raised serious questions about the glaring lapses in decision-making that led to the avoidable tragedy. “The buck for the safety and security of every pilgrim stops squarely with the Chairman of the Shrine Board,” they stated adding, “When the severe weather forecast for the Jammu province was well-known, why was the yatra not halted proactively? Why were pilgrims allowed to continue on a track which is prone to landslides during such extreme conditions?”

They said that the primary responsibility of the Shrine Board is to ensure pilgrim safety, a duty that appears to have been severely compromised. “This is not the first incident of its kind, and yet, the administration seems to have ignored clear and present dangers. The LG cannot keep getting away with such glaring lapses,” they added.

The leaders extended their deepest condolences to the families of the deceased and demanded a thorough, time-bound inquiry into the failures that led to this catastrophe.

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