In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family

SRINAGAR: After taking up the matter with the Punjab Government and the University Administration, the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) on Wednesday said that CT University, Ludhiana, Punjab, has terminated its Vice Chancellor following serious allegations of misconduct and administrative failure related to the harassment of Kashmiri Muslim students over their request for Sehri and Iftar arrangements during Ramzan.

National Convenor of the Association, Nasir Khuehami, said that the Punjab Chief Secretary, KAP Sinha, informed the Association that the issue was taken seriously at the highest level and that the matter has now been resolved. He conveyed that Dr. Nitin Tandon has been removed from his position as Vice Chancellor with immediate effect. The unrest began when Muslim Kashmiri students alleged that they were threatened with eviction from the hostel and cancellation of their admissions after requesting basic meal arrangements for Sehri and Iftar in the university mess during the holy month of Ramzan.

The students further alleged that Dr. Tandon used abusive language against them and threatened academic action. The matter subsequently escalated into a peaceful agitation on campus, with students demanding a fair probe, safety, and institutional accountability. Following the Association’s intervention with the Punjab Chief Secretary, senior district officials, including SSP Ludhiana Ankur Gupta and SDM Upinderjit Kaur Brar, reached the university campus to assess the situation and ensure the safety and security of the students.

Khuehami further stated that Shahi Imam Punjab, Maulana Mohammad Usman Rahmani Ludhianvi, also visited the university, met both students and university authorities, and facilitated dialogue to de-escalate tensions and restore normalcy on campus. Subsequently, the Chancellor of the University, Charanjit Singh Channi, informed that Vice Chancellor Dr. Nitin Tandon has been terminated over his alleged conduct and handling of the situation. He also stated that the university has commenced an internal investigation into the incident, while local authorities continue to closely monitor developments to ensure transparency and accountability.

The Punjab Government has also constituted a high-level committee, headed by the SDM, to conduct a thorough and time-bound inquiry into the incident, including possible administrative lapses and misconduct. The Association stated that the matter has been resolved and that the agitation was formally called off after the administration ordered a comprehensive inquiry and the university terminated its Vice Chancellor.

JKSA thanked the Punjab Government, the university management, the protesting students, the district administration, the police authorities, and community leaders, including Maulana Mohammad Usman Rahmani Ludhianvi, for maintaining peace and ensuring that the matter was resolved through dialogue and institutional intervention.The Association reiterated that Punjab has historically been a welcoming and compassionate home for Kashmiri students and traders, and emphasised that preserving this legacy of brotherhood and inclusivity remains essential.

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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