• Calls Closure of Women’s Cells, a reckless blunder

SRINAGAR: Peoples Democratic Party Legislative Party leader and MLA Pulwama, Waheed ur Rehman Parra on saturday, expressed serious concern over the abrupt discontinuation of Special Cells (SC) for women in Jammu & Kashmir, calling it a reckless decision that endangers the lives of vulnerable women.In a statement, Parra said that, The Special Cells, established in 2021 under the Violence-Free Home—A Woman’s Right initiative, were instrumental in providing support to victims of domestic and other forms of violence.

However, their funding, provided by the National Commission for Women (NCW), is set to end with the close of the financial year, leaving their future in limbo and raising concerns over the government’s commitment to women’s safety in J&K.Parra said, “Shutting down Special Cells for Women in J&K is a grave mistake. These cells have helped hundreds of women survive violence, and we continue to receive calls for their restoration. This reflects the apathy of the administration towards the suffering of women in our region.

”He urged Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Health and Education Minister Sakina Itoo, and National Commission for Women to immediately restore and institutionalize these cells, ensuring they remain operational and effectively address gender-based violence.He further added that over the past four years, these Cells have recorded nearly 10,000 cases of violence, offering legal, social, and psychological support to survivors. The shutting down of these Cells raises serious questions about the government’s priorities and whether women's issues are being deliberately sidelined.

Parra emphasized that the dismantling of these Cells reflects a broader pattern of governance failures in J&K, where essential social welfare initiatives are being neglected or discontinued. He accused the administration of failing to prioritize women’s rights and safety, calling it yet another example of how the central government and the UT administration are failing the people of J&K.“The government must act swiftly to preserve these cells.

We cannot afford to abandon women who are in distress. I urge the Chief Minister to immediately intervene and ensure the continuation of these crucial support centres. The administration needs to recognize that neglecting women's safety is not just a policy failure but a moral and political disaster,” he asserted.

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