Srinagar, Nov 8: The All India Lawyers Union (AILU), Jammu and Kashmir Kashmir Unit, organised its first regional conference at Hotel Samci Riviera, Raj Bagh, Srinagar, bringing together over 40 advocates from across Kashmir to deliberate on constitutional values, democratic rights and challenges facing the legal fraternity.

Held under the theme "Right to Dissent, Prevent Horse-Trading, Oppose SIR and Uphold the Constitution," the conference was attended by senior members of the Union's national leadership, including P. V. S. Nath, Senior Advocate, Supreme Court of India and General Secretary, AILU, and Advocate Anil K. Chauhan, National Treasurer.
A significant moment was the formal handing over of the AILU flag by Nath and Chauhan to Advocate Laila Khalid, Founder of Justice Law Firm, who hosted the conference. The occasion marked the beginning of a new phase of organisational activities of the Union in Kashmir.
Addressing the gathering, Advocate Laila Khalid described the conference as a historic milestone and the foundation of the first regional unit of AILU in Kashmir. She stressed the need for a collective platform to address the professional concerns of advocates and safeguard their dignity, security and independence.
The deliberations focused on upholding the Constitution, protecting the rule of law, defending the democratic right to dissent and strengthening the independence of the legal profession. Participants also highlighted the professional challenges faced by advocates and discussed issues concerning the representation and reservation of Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) communities in the judiciary.
After detailed discussions, the conference unanimously adopted three resolutions.
The first called for effective protection and institutional safeguards for advocates while discharging their professional responsibilities, along with strengthening AILU's organisational presence across Kashmir.
The second sought appropriate provisions for stipends and medical benefits for young advocates entering the legal profession, recognising the financial and professional difficulties faced by them during the initial years of practice.
The third demanded adequate reservation and representation for members of Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe communities in the judicial system to ensure equal opportunities and meaningful participation.
To strengthen the Union's organisational structure in Kashmir, the conference constituted a 12-member Ad Hoc Organisational Committee for six months.
The committee comprises Advocates Laila Khalid, Sameer Ahmadwani, Aslam Chaudhry, Aqib, Kaiser Makeen, Ashraf, Javed, Shahid, Zubair, Sabreen, Romana and Madina.
The organisational responsibilities were entrusted to Advocate Laila Khalid as Convener, Advocate Kaiser Makeen of Anantnag as Co-Convener and Advocate Sameer Ahmadwani as Treasurer.
It was decided that the Ad Hoc Committee would function for six months, after which a full-fledged organisational committee and permanent organisational body would be constituted.
The conference concluded with a collective resolve to strengthen unity and solidarity among lawyers, uphold constitutional principles, defend democratic rights and safeguard the dignity, security and professional independence of advocates.
Participants expressed hope that the initiative would pave the way for a stronger, more organised and representative All India Lawyers Union in Jammu and Kashmir.