‘Want an atmosphere of peace and calm in Kashmir as soon as possible’
Srinagar: The opposition’s presidential nominee and former speaker Meira Kumar on Sunday said that the ideologies and principles which have kept India united are under ‘threat’.
Kumar, in a bid to get support from the National Conference, Congress and the independent legislators said in a press conference in Srinagar that the opposition wanted to make the poll ‘an election of principles’.
“India is united because of its different ideologies and principles. For some time now, a danger is lurking on these principles and ideologies and if that is not stopped immediately, then it is possible that the coming days will be lost in the dark. 17 opposition parties have come together in the name of ideology and principles and want to make this election as an election of principles,” she said.
The former speaker, who is contesting against BJP’s nominee Ram Nath Kovind, said there are so many religions in the country, so many cultures, ideologies and languages but despite that the country is united only because of these principles.
Kumar said she wants an atmosphere of peace to return to Jammu and Kashmir.
“It (Kashmir) is a beautiful place and as they say it is heaven on earth. The people here are angels as well. I have been coming here and have seen a very beautiful Kashmir. The people are not only beautiful in their looks, but at heart also. I want peace and calm here as soon as possible,” she said.
Addressing the media, NC president and Member of Parliament, Farooq Abdullah, said the opposition had come together to stop communalism in the country.
“We have come together to stop the current situation in the country where communalism is on the rise. We pray to God to make the country stronger where people of every religion and language live with dignity. This (presidential election) is a fight for that,” he said.
