The three day national conference on “Trends in Non Traditional Security” organised by the Department of National Security Studies (DNSS), 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 at the Temporary Campus, CUJ, Sainik Colony was successfully concluded here today. There was a session in which presentations were made by notable experts from various backgrounds and it was followed by a valedictory ceremony.

The last session of the conference, Contemporary Narrative - Global Crises was chaired by Dr. Senthil IFS, Regional Wildlife Warden. Eminent experts including Dr Sanjaya Baru, Media Advisor to former Indian Prime Minister, Dr. Gurpreet Khurana, Executive Director, National Maritime Foundation, Dr SD Singh, IPS, IGP Jammu and Mr Zafar Chaudhury, The News Now spoke on Economic Crisis; Maritime Security; Chemical; Biological, Radiological and Nuclear issues; and New Media respectively. In his presentation, Dr Sanjaya Baru essentially highlighted the challenging issues of economic crisis and financial threats perceived from China and other emerging economic power centers. Captain Gurpreet Khurana speaking on maritime security and geopolitics in the Indo-Pacific region elaborated the security environment and military imbalances that prevail in the oceans. Dr S.D Singh covering on the lethal aspects of CBRN, explained the number of casualties caused by harmful chemical agents in Syria and how chemical weapons have been sought by non state actors. Meanwhile, Mr Zafar narrated the dangers of internet or new media and it being exploited by extreme elements to incite militancy in Kashmir and other parts of the country.

At the Valedictory Session, the Chief Guest, Professor Ashok Aima, Vice Chancellor, CUJ appreciated the important work carried out by the Department of NSS and pool of talented students attracted by the department. Concerning the importance of national security aspect, he expressed his desire to open a think tank under the Department that can dedicatedly focus on policy research and constructive ideas at national and international levels. Referring to the context of security issues in JK, he elaborated on the problems to be solved at the grassroots level considering political, ethnic, cultural and religious discourses. Meanwhile, he complimented the DNSS and the three partner institutes for organising a wonderful event, and suggested to continue conducting such significant events in future in which he expressed his personal eagerness to support in any aspect.

Earlier, Dr Sudhakar, Department of NSS, CUJ presented the warm welcome address. At the same time, a way forward of the conference was provided by representatives of partner institutes that collaboratively organised the programme. Meanwhile, Prof Mallika Joseph provided highlights of the conference by explaining the reason the programme was organised, its objective, and successive steps to be taken forward by the partner organisations. She also provided an overview of the four unique sessions held in this three day programme. The three day conference was gracefully ended by presenting the formal Vote of Thanks by Dr Neeta, Assistant Professor, DNSS, CUJ.