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JAMMU: Reports of Three to four residential houses and one kothar belonging to the minority KP community having been destroyed completely in a massive fire in Martand (Mattan) near sports stadium are heart-breaking, says Former MLC and BJP spokesperson Girdhari Lal Raina.  The fire incident was reported in the early hours of Monday, July 29, 2024. Gutting of residential houses that reduced these historic complexes to ashes has further devastated already distraught owners, he added.

This painful fire incident needs to be probed thoroughly, the BJP leader demanded. He stressed that the investigation is not required just because the houses belong to the minority KP community. It is needed to find culprits and identify forces behind them. It is not an ordinary fire incident, he cautioned. It, most probably is a sinister design to discourage the Displaced Community from entertaining dreams of return to the land of their origin.

Ex-MLC recalled that Media reports have indicated over years that several Kashmiri Pandit families in this area have come back or were planning to return back to their own places. These houses which were in dilapidated conditions for years were finally visibly being repaired, renovated and reconstructed. This prospect of the return has manifestly offended forces inimical to peaceful co-existence, he suggested. Expressing his opinion GL Raina said that this fire incident is being seen as a strong rebuttal and potent message to the displaced community volunteering return to their roots.

The administration has a responsibility to quell such impressions if unfounded, the BJP spokesperson stressed. In case these fears are found to be substantiating, administration must bring to justice culprits in case of involvement of such communal, divisive and disruptive elements. The victims must also be compensated adequately to ensure their efforts of reconstruction are not halted, GL Raina demanded.

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