KUPWARA: In a significant outreach initiative aimed at taking legal awareness and access to justice to remote and far-flung areas of Jammu and Kashmir, the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Kupwara, under the aegis of the Jammu & Kashmir Legal Services Authority (JKLSA) and in furtherance of the objectives of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) organised an awareness programme on the NALSA JAGRITI (Justice Awareness for Grassroots Information and Transparency Initiative) Scheme, 2025, under the theme “Empowered Youth, Stronger India”, at Government Degree College, Tangdhar here today.
Justice Sanjeev Kumar, Acting Chief Justice, High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh & Executive Chairman, J&K Legal Services Authority was the Chief Guest on the occasion.
The programme was attended by M. K. Sharma, Registrar General, High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh; Shazia Tabassum, Member Secretary, J&K Legal Services Authority; Manjeet Singh Manhas, Principal District & Sessions Judge, Kupwara; Shrikant Suse, Deputy Commissioner, Kupwara; Syed Tahir Geelani, SSP Kupwara, Judicial Officers, officers of District Administration, Police and Education Departments, members of the Bar Association Tangdhar, representatives of civil society and a large number of students. Addressing the gathering, Justice Sanjeev Kumar emphasised that legal awareness is an important instrument of empowerment and justice delivery system must remain accessible to every section of society. He stressed that geographical distance and difficult terrain should never become a barrier to justice, particularly for people living in remote and frontier areas.
The Chief Justice (Acting) appreciated NALSA for bringing out the JAGRITI Scheme, 2025, and commended the efforts of the Jammu & Kashmir Legal Services Authority and DLSA Kupwara for taking the initiative to a frontier area like Tangdhar. He emphasised that legal awareness must translate into actual access to justice, enabling people to know their rights, available remedies and where and how to seek legal assistance.
Justice Sanjeev Kumar also highlighted the importance of understanding rights and duties, observing that both go hand in hand. He stressed the need for youth empowerment and legal literacy, noting that knowledge of law, constitutional values, rights and responsibilities enables young people to make informed decisions and become responsible citizens.
On Juvenile Justice, the Chief Justice (Acting) called for a sensitive, child-friendly and rehabilitative approach towards children in conflict with law, with emphasis on counselling, education, parental care, guidance and rehabilitation.
Speaking on the growing challenge of substance abuse and drug trafficking, particularly among youth, Justice Sanjeev Kumar emphasised that the menace cannot be addressed through punitive measures alone. He called for equal focus on prevention, early identification, counselling, treatment and rehabilitation.
The Chief Justice (Acting) also underlined the importance of mental and emotional well-being, urging parents, teachers and society to create a supportive and stigma-free environment where young people can speak about their concerns and seek timely assistance.
Speaking on the digital environment, Justice Sanjeev Kumar highlighted challenges such as cyber fraud, online harassment, identity misuse and misinformation, stressing the need for digital awareness and responsible use of technology.
The Chief Justice (Acting) further encouraged girls and young women to pursue education, acquire skills, avail opportunities and participate fully in decision-making and public life, observing that their empowerment and equal participation are essential for societal progress.
Calling for a proactive approach by legal services institutions, Justice Sanjeev Kumar emphasised that DLSAs, Taluk Legal Services Committees, Panel Lawyers and Para-Legal Volunteers must reach out to people requiring assistance instead of waiting for them to approach legal services institutions. He stressed that the JAGRITI initiative should be carried forward continuously through schools, colleges, villages and communities.
In his welcome address, Principal District & Sessions Judge, Kupwara highlighted the importance of taking legal services and awareness initiatives to remote and frontier areas.
During the programme, various speakers, including the Secretary, DLSA Kupwara, sensitised the gathering about the objectives and grassroots philosophy of the NALSA JAGRITI Scheme, 2025, and the mechanism envisaged for its implementation through schools, colleges, Legal Literacy Clubs, Para-Legal Volunteers, Legal Services Authorities, Taluk Legal Services Committees and other local institutions.
Dr. Adil, representing IMHANS-K, also addressed the gathering and spoke on mental health and emotional well-being, sensitising students and participants about recognising mental health concerns at an early stage, seeking professional assistance and creating a supportive environment free from stigma.
The programme also featured a cultural presentation by artists and students. A skit based on the theme of drug trafficking was also presented, highlighting its harmful impact on individuals, families and society, while conveying messages of social responsibility, legal awareness and vigilance against substance abuse.
As part of the outreach initiative, a medical camp was also organised for the local population, providing free medical consultation, treatment and medicines to a large number of people.
The programme reaffirmed the larger vision of NALSA, the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh and the Jammu & Kashmir Legal Services Authority that geographical location should is not a barrier to justice and legal awareness, legal assistance and access to justice must reach every community, including those residing in the farthest and most difficult-to-reach areas of Jammu and Kashmir.
