Seminar on theme “Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh: Developmental Dynamics and Future Trajectories” 

Chandigarh June 1, 2023: Department of Defence and National Security Studies and Institute of  Social Science Education & Research, Panjab University in collaboration with Gyan Setu Think Tank and Jammu Kashmir Study Centre organised a seminar on the theme “Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh: Developmental Dynamics and Future Trajectories” at the ICSSR Complex, Panjab University, Chandigarh  on June 1, 2023. The seminar was sponsored by the Indian Council of Social Sciences Research (NWRC).

Dr Jaskaran Singh Waraich, Chairperson, Department of Defence and National Security Studies and Prof. Simrat Kahlon, Co-ordinatior of PU-ISSER welcomed the Speakers, guests as well as faculty members, research scholars and students present for the event. They introduced the theme of the seminar by giving the details of the Objectives and the Programme of the Seminar. Prof. Renu Vig, Vice Chancellor, Panjab University, delivered the Inaugural address. Drawing a parallel between the holocaust of partition and the exodus of Kashmiris from the valley she highlighted the human angle of the seminar theme. She also highlighted the importance of such events for the wholistic development of the students and their ability to synergise.

Lt. Gen. Syed Ata Hasnain (Retd.) delivered the keynote address and highlighted the need of a comprehensive approach addressing political, social, economic and especially psychological aspects of conflict in Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. He highlighted the importance of a people centric approach to resolve the issue. Commending India for the improved security scenario in the valley he advocated more concrete and structural political and military efforts to improve conditions. Lt. Gen. K.J. Singh (Retd.) in his concluding remarks emphasised a need to develop a more comprehensive mechanism to counter terrorism insurgency and ensure the initiation of the democratic process in the valley.

Captain Alok Bansal (Retd.), Director of India Foundation, emphasised the need of more urban centres in Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh to disperse development. He expressed the need to educate our population on the occupied territories of Aksai-Chin and Gilgit Baltistan so that they remain alive in their mind as an integral part of India. Maj. Gen. Raj Mehta (Retd) in his address pointed out that the most effective way to solve the conflict in the valley is to spread the message of peace, love and compassion within it, and only through this we could win the hearts and minds of the people.

Lt. Gen. DS Hooda (Retd.) in the first plenary address advocated the need to create a bridge between J&K leaders and the people of Kashmir and Jammu. Speakers including Ambassador Stobdan, Sh Pradeep Dutta and General Amarjit Singh cited the suspension of Article 370 as a welcome step and suggested further measures to speed up the development in the region, The geostrategic significance of the region was highlighted.

The Valedictory address was delivered by Lt. Gen. J S Cheema, Vice Chancellor at Maharaja Bhupinder Singh Punjab Sports University. Dr Kuldeep Agnihotri, former Vice Chancellor Central University of Himachal Pradesh presided over the Valedictory Session. Prof. Sanjay Kaushik, Director ICSSR, gave closing remarks on the successful conclusion of the national seminar The seminar was attended by the faculty, research scholars, students of the University and also serving and retired military personnel attended the event.