THE 12th Jammu and Kashmir state conference of the CPI (M) was held at Hotel Lalarukh in historic Lal Chowk of Srinagar on March 23. The conference in which 236 delegates, observers participated started at 11 am with resounding slogans of socialism, revolution and CPI(M) zindabad. The red flag was hoisted by veteran comrade Gh Qadir Hafroo. The condolence resolution was presented by Kishore Kumar and two minute silence was observed in memory of the departed comrades Abdul Hamid Wani, Sham Prasad Kesar both state committee members and  Prof Aijaz Ahmad, a renowned Marxist thinker of our times.

The delegate session elected a presidium consisting of Om Prakash  Sharma,  Gh Mohiudin Lone and Abdul Rashid Itoo.

While inaugurating the conference, M Y Tarigami congratulated the delegates for carrying forward the rich traditions of the people of Jammu and Kashmir with firm commitment for communal harmony and brotherhood. He also conveyed the appreciation of role played by the CPI(M) in defence of the legitimate constitutional and democratic rights of the people of erstwhile historic state of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh. He also assured the people of the region, in spite of adverse situation, CPI(M) will always remain committed to the genuine aspirations of the people and will continue its efforts to seek support of all other secular democratic forces in and outside the region in defence of a dignified life for our people.

Ghulam Nabi Malik presented the secretary’s report in which he gave details of the disastrous policies pursued by the BJP government regarding Jammu and Kashmir. These policies are aimed at denying democracy and legitimate autonomy. These divisive policies have only created a big void which can only be useful for those who want to undermine the bond of relationship between the people of J&K and the union of India. Putting one region against the other and dividing the people on communal lines remains the major plank of BJP government’s policies. In this situation building a revolutionary party like the CPI(M) remains a basic duty for each one of us. Though a difficult task, nevertheless, we are confident that we can march forward.

While addressing the delegates, Sitaram Yechury, general secretary of CPI(M) hailed the role played by the Party in J&K in a situation full of difficulties and uncertainties.

He said we stood with the people of J&K and work for the realisation of the assurances provided in the constitution to the people of J&K. We had and continue to oppose the abrogation of Article 370 and our Party has challenged the Re-organisation Act and new land laws in the Supreme Court.

Today the Indian constitution is being severely undermined and the independence of the constitutional institutions like parliament, judiciary, election commission, CBI, EDI etc are being put under severe stress. In order to safeguard the Indian constitution and secular democratic character of the Indian republic, we have to work for the realisation of the aspirations of the people of J&K. It is essential to isolate and defeat the BJP. We appeal to all secular forces to close ranks in order to save India for a better future.

Ten comrades took part in the discussion on the secretary's report who gave many valuable suggestions. Four resolutions on agriculture, employment and education, Bharat bandh call of trade unions and human rights were adopted.

The secretary’s report was unanimously adopted after accepting some suggestions. The credentials committee report was presented by Ramesh Kumar.

The conference elected a new state committee consisting of 23 members with Ghulam Nabi Malik as its secretary. The conference also elected four delegates and two observers for the 23rd CPI(M) Congress.