SHAKEELA ANDRABI
SRINAGAR: The District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Srinagar, in collaboration with NGOs , and Aryans Group of Colleges, organised a seminar titled “Koshish.” A Seminar on: Substance Abuse, Problem in School, Role of Teachers and Counselors at the ADR Centre, District Court Complex, Momminabad, Srinagar.
The event witnessed a convergence of esteemed dignitaries, representatives from various sectors, media personnel, influencers, and passionate volunteers.
The seminar was attended by Jawad Ahmed, Chairman DLSA (PDJ), Srinagar, Rajiv Omprakash Pandey, DIG Central Kashmir, Jahangir Ahmad Bakshi, Secretary DLSA, Srinagar, members of print and electronic media, influencers, staff and para-legal volunteers of DLSA, Srinagar, volunteers of Kashmir Concern and White Globe.
Jawad Ahmed, Chairman DLSA (PDJ), Srinagar, underscored the indispensable role of the judiciary in addressing the complexities of substance abuse within the framework of law and justice. He also stressed upon building adequate infrastructure for dealing with the challenges of substance abuse. He explained the legal consequences that individuals face if they engage in drug-related activities, including severe penalties such as imprisonment and fines in place to deter drug trafficking and possession and the consequences of violating these laws. He also highlighted the legal remedies available to victims of drug abuse and their families.
The DLSA Chairman urged school teachers and parents to play their role in curbing the drug menace. He said that if the teacher plays a role like a guide and friend, then the child can get out of this trap as most of the children want to be alone at home and they do not want to talk to anybody and in that case teacher will help the child.
Rajiv Om Prakash Pandey, DIG Central Kashmir, emphasized the crucial role of law enforcement agencies, outlining strategies for effective intervention and enforcement. He highlighted the importance of media in amplifying the message and building a drug free society.
“Kindly take this message from J&K Police, from the DLSA and the Civil Society of J&K to the people that those who get trapped in drug abuse tell them to say no even to ‘first try’… Never ever go for the ‘first try’, because it a trap.”
“If you do so, you are going to get trapped into this and this (trap) will lead you towards a very dangerous kind of end to your life,” Pande said while urging the media to take this message to the people.
Reiterating, Pande said, “Don’t simply go for even try on the persuasion of your friends on any other relative, regarding any synthetic drug or any other drug, kindly refraction from any such act.
Tahir Magray, Revenue Officer to Divisional Commissioner, stressed insightful perspectives on the vital contributions of administration department and various initiatives for fostering a supportive environment for prevention and rehabilitation.
Other speakers emphasized the devastating impact of drug abuse on individuals, families, and communities. They highlighted the alarming rise in drug addiction among youth and the urgent need for collective action to address this crisis.
They encouraged participants to actively participate in these efforts, such as awareness campaigns, counseling services, and rehabilitation programs, to create a supportive network for students struggling with substance. During the seminar experts stressed the imperative of collaborative efforts among NGOs and stakeholders to address the root causes of substance abuse and provide comprehensive support to affected individuals.
