CHENNAI: The Democratic Youth Federation of India will continue with its efforts at upholding the country's unity and integrity by favouring solution to inter-State disputes through talks, its national president K.N. Balagopal said on Tuesday.

Briefing newsmen on the DYFI's four-day eighth national conference, he said the organisation was opposed to attempts to use such serious issues to whip up passions and divide the people of different States. Even on the Mullaperiyar dam issue, the DYFI wanted a negotiated settlement. Kerala's Chief Minister, who represented a national party, also wanted to solve the issue through discussions, he said.

A total of 900 delegates from all over the country took part in the conference. As the organisation was able to develop good rapport with youth organisations in several other countries, delegates from Portugal, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Zimbabwe and France had come. The World Federation of Democratic Youth was also represented. The DYFI had 1.63 crore members, including the 37 lakh members enrolled during the last three years, Mr. Balagopal said. Its activists launched struggles against the alleged communal agenda of the Bharatiya Janata Party Government in Gujarat and the ill effects of globalisation.

He expressed concern at the negative growth in employment and agriculture under the United Progressive Alliance Government. Mr. Balagopal hoisted the DYFI flag at the venue named after the Vellore Martyrs. Leaders and activists of the organisation offered floral tributes at the martyrs' column.

General secretary Tapa Sinha presented the draft political and organisational report. Different committees were formed to ensure the smooth progress of the delegates' session.

A seminar on the role of the Left Front Governments in defending the interest of the people from the onslaught of globalisation would be held on Wednesday, Mr. Balagopal said.

A historical photographic exhibition "in defence of civilisation" was inaugurated at the conference venue by veteran trade union leader and CPI (M) Central Committee member T.K. Rengarajan.

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