Professor Seema Vinayak of department of Psychology delivered a plenary lecture 

Chandigarh, July 3, 2023: Professor Seema Vinayak of department of Psychology delivered a plenary lecture on: “Neuropsychosocial impact of forced displacement in Kashmiri migrants: Implications and mitigation strategies”  at 8th World Congress on Neurology and Therapeutics in London, UK, on June 29.

In view of the recent initiatives of government to facilitate return of Kashmiri migrants  to the Kashmir valley , the present study was designed to examine the neuropsychosocial impact of forced displacement ; and whether social support effect  depression, anxiety, and stress among Kashmiri migrants.

Terror-induced mass displacement from one’s native place can have lingering, long-term neuropsychosocial consequences.  Conflict-induced migration occurred in the Kashmir valley (Jammu and Kashmir, India) in the year 1990 when thousands of Kashmiri Pandits’ families, faced with a wave of targeted assassinations of community leaders and threats by terror outfits, left their homes for centuries- all within a fortnight. 

Most settled in Jammu, in significant numbers in four camps on the outskirts of Jammu City and non-camp migrant communities , where they began working and supporting their families. The study was conducted on 140 Kashmiri migrants. 

Present investigation emphasises the need to focus on the neuropsychological state of social support providers and arrange regular counselling sessions for migrants to deal with their neuro-psychosocial issues.