In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family
  • Kichloo assures he will raise the issues in Parliament, seek Union Home Ministry’s intervention, and press for a structured inter-state protection mechanism

NEW DELHI: Ahead of the forthcoming Budget Session of Parliament, Nasir Khuehami, National Convenor of the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA), held an extensive and detailed meeting with Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament Sajjad Kichloo on Tuesday in New Delhi to discuss a range of pressing issues concerning students and marginalised communities from Jammu and Kashmir. The meeting, which lasted for over three hours, witnessed in-depth deliberations on multiple long-pending and emergent concerns requiring urgent parliamentary and administrative intervention.

During the meeting, Khuehami flagged the deteriorating situation faced by Kashmiri students studying across the country, with particular emphasis on the ongoing hostel crisis at Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi. He apprised the Rajya Sabha MP about repeated representations, made by JKSA highlighting acute accommodation shortages, lack of transparent allotment mechanisms, and the resulting academic and psychological distress faced by students; especially those coming from economically weaker backgrounds. Khuehami stressed that the issue has been consistently raised across public platforms and formal submissions to authorities, yet remains unresolved.

The discussion also focused extensively on the alarming rise in incidents of harassment, intimidation, and physical assaults against Kashmiri shawl sellers and traders in various parts of the country. Khuehami highlighted a worrying pattern of repeated targeting of shawl vendors in states such as Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Uttarakhand, and other regions, where these traders; many of whom have been engaged in this livelihood for decades have faced violence, extortion, arbitrary evictions, and social profiling. 

He pointed out that JKSA has already flagged these incidents through formal letters and multiple official channels, including communications addressed to the Union Home Ministry, state governments, and Directors General of Police, alongside sustained advocacy and meetings with various authorities.

The meeting also covered a wide range of other student-related concerns, including challenges related to scholarships, accommodation, academic delays, and the need for institutional sensitivity. Khuehami underlined that despite assurances from state authorities in several cases, the absence of a clear institutional mechanism has allowed such incidents to recur, leaving Kashmiri traders vulnerable and fearful. He stressed the need for a centralised protection framework to ensure their safety, dignity, and right to livelihood across states, particularly during peak trading seasons.

Responding to the concerns, Rajya Sabha MP Sajjad Kichloo gave a detailed and patient hearing to all issues raised and assured that he would formally raise these matters during the upcoming Budget Session of Parliament. He expressed serious concern over the Jamia Millia Islamia hostel issue and agreed that denial of basic accommodation to students undermines both access to education and constitutional guarantees of equality and dignity.

Kichloo further assured that he would seek the Union Home Ministry’s direct intervention regarding the repeated harassment of Kashmiri shawl sellers and would press for the formulation of a robust inter-state coordination mechanism involving state police forces, district administrations, and central agencies to prevent recurrence of such incidents. He also assured that parliamentary questions, special mentions, and formal communications would be pursued to ensure accountability and time-bound redressal.

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
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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