BARAMULLA:  Department of Sociology, Government Degree College (Boys), Baramulla today organised an awareness seminar on the theme "Substance Abuse Among Youth: Legal Consequences and Mental Health Challenges–Exploring Prevention, Intervention and Community Responsibility", as part of the Nasha Mukt Jammu and Kashmir Abhiyan.

The event was graced by Adv. Meenakshi Slathia, Deputy Advocate General, High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, as the Chief Guest. The seminar witnessed huge participation from students, academicians, legal experts, law enforcement officials, media representatives and members of civil society, reflecting a collective concern over the growing menace of substance abuse among youth.

Addressing the gathering,  Adv. Meenakshi Slathia spoke extensively on the legal implications of narcotics-related offences and the devastating impact of substance abuse on individuals, families and society. She emphasized that drug abuse not only destroys the future of young people but also contributes to crime, social instability and the breakdown of family structures. Stressing the importance of legal awareness, she urged youth to stay informed about the stringent provisions laws dealing with Narco Crimes.

The keynote address was delivered by Gurinderpal Singh, Senior Superintendent of Police, Baramulla, who highlighted the alarming dimensions of drug abuse, drug trafficking and stressed the need for coordinated action involving families, educational institutions, law enforcement agencies and the community at large.

Dr. Taslima Bano, Principal, Government Degree College (Boys), Baramulla, highlighted the importance of collective efforts in addressing the growing challenge of substance abuse among youth. Among the distinguished speakers were Dr. Nitin Sharma, Assistant Professor, Law School, University of Jammu; Prof. Tariq Ahmad Chalkoo, Staff Secretary, GDC (Boys) Baramulla and Dr. Tajamul Hussain, who spoke on the legal, social and psychological aspects of substance abuse.

Expert insights were also shared by Aftab Jeelani, Public Prosecutor, Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Srinagar, who elaborated on the legal consequences of narcotics-related offences and the role of the criminal justice system in combating drug trafficking.

Other notable participants included Inspector Koushal Kumar of NCB Srinagar and Adv. Mandeep Singh Bijral, Advocate, High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, who shared their perspectives on awareness generation, prevention strategies and community engagement in addressing the challenge.

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
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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