The Department of National Security Studies, Central University of Jammu (CUJ), in association with the Jammu and Kashmir Police, the Department of International Relations, Christ University, and the Konrad-Adeanuer-Stiftung, India Office has inaugurated a three day conference on “Trends in Non Traditional Security” to be organised from 19 to 21 April 2017 at the Temporary Campus, CUJ, Sainik Colony. The event was supported by the gracious presence of notable dignitaries including Dr Hasseb Drabu, Honorable Minister of Finance, Dr Nirmal Singh, Honourable Deputy Chief Minister, Shri Khajuria, Former DGP, JK Police, Mr S.N Srivastava, Special DG CRPF, and other experts from security and academic realms across India. Participants from various backgrounds also took part in the conference.

On the first day of the event, during the inaugural session and in his special address, Chief Guest Dr Haseeb Drabu, Finance Minister of J&K highlighted the importance provided by the interaction of security personnel and academies. He stated that the finance sector has been affected by non-traditional threats. Speaking on the responsibility of JK Police, he explained that the duty of police looking after normal law and order situation has been diverted by turmoil/militancy in the region. Meanwhile, he expressed that the issue of radicalisation in the country is chiefly because of distorted social order. Wishing all success of the conference, he appreciated the interaction and affiliation of various institutions to organise this important programme.

Earlier, Professor Lokesh Verma, Academic Coordinator, CUJ explaining on the theme of the conference welcomed everyone associated with the conference and wished for a successful event to be organised in the next two days. As an exemplary partner’s remarks Dr S.D Singh, IGP, JK Police explained the background of the partnership of the four institutions involved in the conference. Speaking on the significance of the event, he explained about the society affected by drugs, and enormous contraband and consignments confiscated from J&K. In his remark, Dr Manoharan, Associate Professor, Christ University narrated the initiative taken by the partner institutes on national security issues. He also expressed how the affiliation of these institutes provides strategic suggestions and policy statement to the Indian stakeholders. It was followed by statements provided by Mr Mark Friedrich, Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung on the research steps carried out by the institute and its partners. He also emphasised on how German has been challenging the aspect of security and conflict (terrorism, food and water) in both domestic and global dimensions.

In his presidential remarks, Professor Ashok Aima, the Vice Chancellor of CUJ expressed that importance of policy research on the national security aspects. He expressed his interest in establishing research centre or think tank in the Department of National Security Studies and carry forward studies on non traditional security domain. Observing on the situation of the state J&K, he highlighted the importance of studying the society and social system of the state which in turn can provide high level policy inputs to the stakeholders.

The inaugural session of the conference was gracefully ended by presenting formal vote of thanks by Professor Mallika Joseph, Head Department of National Security Studies, CUJ.