Awareness Seminar on Substance Abuse among Youth held at GDC Baramulla

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.