Kulgam, July 19: The Jammu and Kashmir Democratic Youth Federation (J&KDYF) today held a one-day convention at Kulgam, attended by nearly five hundred delegates from across Kashmir.
The convention was presided over by Mohd Abass Rather, Vice-President, DYFK. Comrade Hemaghraja Bhattacharya, All India General Secretary, Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI), graced the occasion as chief guest.
Addressing the delegates, DYFK General Secretary Javaid Yaqoob said the convention was being held at a time when the youth of Kashmir continue to face acute distress on account of unemployment, harassment through repeated verification, and the continuing denial of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. He said the organisation stands firmly with the youth in their struggle for justice and dignity.
Abdul Rashid Itoo, Member, State Committee, DYFK, said the convention reflects the resolve of the youth to organise themselves against the policies that have pushed them into uncertainty. He said the federation would continue to mobilise at the grassroots to ensure these issues are not brushed aside.
Mohd. Abass Rather, Vice-President, DYFK, said the convention had adopted a charter of demands that must be treated as an urgent priority by the government. He said the youth of Kashmir cannot be made to wait indefinitely while their future remains in limbo.
The convention unanimously resolved that full statehood must be restored to Jammu and Kashmir without further delay, and demanded a comprehensive review of the cases of political prisoners with a view to securing their release. It also called for a review of the prolonged and repeated verification process that continues to subject youth to undue hardships, often over the alleged conduct of distant relatives from years past.
On the question of employment, the convention resolved that the government must take urgent measures to tackle the ever-increasing menace of unemployment among educated youth, and demanded the provision of an unemployment allowance to those without work. It further called for a review of the existing reservation policy, saying the present system needs to be made more equitable. The gathering also resolved to fight the growing menace of drug addiction among the youth by mobilising public support and awareness against it.
Speaking as chief guest, Comrade Hemaghraja Bhattacharya, General Secretary, Democratic Youth Federation of India(DYFI), assured the gathering that these issues would be taken up in DYFI’s forthcoming programme on September 15, 2026, and would also be raised on the floor of Parliament. He said the DYFI stands in solidarity with the youth of Kashmir and would continue to fight alongside them until their demands are met.
The convention concluded with the delegates reaffirming their commitment to carry the struggle forward at every level. Amar Mansoor, District President, JKDYF, Kulgam also addressed the Convention.
