In continuation of the week-long awareness campaign on the rights of people living with HIV/AIDS, the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Srinagar, in collaboration with the Jammu & Kashmir AIDS Control Society, today organised a special awareness programme at the District Court Complex, Srinagar.

The programme  was organized under the aegis of Jammu & Kashmir Legal Services Authority. The programme was held under the supervision of Haq Nawaz Zargar, Principal District & Sessions Judge (Chairman, DLSA) Srinagar, along with Shazia Tabassum, Member Secretary, Jammu & Kashmir Legal Services Authority.

The programme was formally inaugurated by the Chairman, DLSA Srinagar.

In his address, the Chairman DLSA emphasized that awareness and prevention remain the most effective tools in the fight against HIV/AIDS and called upon all stakeholders to work collectively towards building an informed, sensitive and stigma-free society. He highlighted the crucial role of Legal Services Institutions in spreading social and legal awareness at the grassroots level and reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of the Legal Services Authority towards protecting the rights, dignity and well-being of every individual.

Stressing the importance of early detection, timely treatment and social support, he urged the participants to act as ambassadors of awareness so that the message of prevention, compassion and inclusion reaches every section of society.

Tabassum Qadir Parray, Secretary, DLSA Srinagar, while speaking on the occasion, highlighted the significance of observing World HIV/AIDS Day through sustained awareness efforts.

Imtiyaz Ahmad, Assistant Director, J&K State AIDS Control Society, delivered a comprehensive and informative lecture highlighting the causes, modes of transmission, preventive measures and available treatment for HIV/AIDS. He laid special emphasis on responsible behaviour, routine testing and timely access to medical support.

Tasneem Kausar, Deputy Chief Legal Aid Defence Counsel, also addressed the gathering and sensitized the participants about the deep-rooted social stigma attached to HIV/AIDS, urging the audience to adopt an approach based on empathy, understanding and non-discrimination.

During the interactive session, the queries raised by the Legal Aid Defence Counsels were effectively addressed by the resource person, further enhancing the awareness and clarity regarding HIV/AIDS prevention and management.

The programme witnessed the active participation of staff members, Legal Aid Defence Counsels and Para Legal Volunteers of DLSA Srinagar.

The awareness programme was conducted under the theme “Overcoming Disruption, Transforming the AIDS Response,” reflecting the collective commitment of all stakeholders to strengthen public awareness, promote preventive healthcare and ensure access to justice for all.