BHADERWAH: The people of Bhaderwah, led by community leader Manoj Padha, staged a strong protest against the Jammu & Kashmir government, local MLA Daleep Singh, and the Roads & Buildings (R&B) department, demanding an immediate halt to the construction of the road leading to Kailash Kund, a sacred site for Naag followers across the globe. 

The protest, held in Bhaderwah town, saw the participation of hundreds of local residents, who expressed their deep concern over the proposed infrastructure project. Manoj Padha, while addressing the gathering, accused MLA Daleep Singh of collaborating with the mining mafia to push forward the road construction project that threatens to destroy the centuries-old Naag culture. 

Padha further alleged that the project was not only an attack on the cultural and religious significance of Kailash Kund but also aimed at facilitating illegal mining activities at Mount Kailash, a place of immense spiritual importance. The protestors, holding placards and chanting slogans, demanded that the government immediately halt the construction work. 

Speaking on the occasion, Padha stated, “The sacred site of Kailash Kund is of great significance to Naag followers not just in Bhaderwah, but across the world. This project, driven by political and mining interests, will ruin our cultural heritage and disrupt the peace and spiritual practices of our community. We cannot let this happen.” 

In an emphatic message to the J&K government and MLA Daleep Singh, Padha said, “We are giving the government and the MLA one week to halt this project. If our demands are not met, the protest will continue, and we will be forced to escalate the issue, leading to law and order problems not just in Bhaderwah but in other states across India.” 

The protestors have vowed to continue their struggle to protect the sacred site, signaling a broader movement for the preservation of cultural heritage in the region. The people of Bhaderwah are determined to ensure that their centuries-old Naag traditions are not sacrificed in the name of development and political gain.

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