ANC backs NC-Congress candidates

Srinagar/April, 3: Awami National Conference president Begum Khalida Shah Monday appealed to people of Kashmir to support National Conference-Congress combined candidates for Srinagar and Anantnag Parliament seats whole-heartedly with a view to ensuring the defeat of communal forces.
In a statement issued here on Monday Begum Khalida Shah said that the situation in Kashmir is reminiscent of the 1947 Partition when communal frenzy had engulfed both India and Pakistan. “The by-elections to the two parliamentary seats in the state are taking place at a time when communal and divisive forces, which got a foothold in Jammu and Kashmir with the installation of PDP-BJP Government are raring to gather strength. The syncretic culture of J&K is under severe starin. The communal forces out to destroy the secular fabric of Kashmir pose a serious challenge to the basic secular foundation of India,” she said.
She said that prevailing situation calls for a display of secular credentials and that is why her party has decided to support the National Conference and Congress candidates in the forthcoming elections from Srinagar and Anantnag constituencies. “I hope both these parties will be able to stem the rising communal tide in the state and bring about the difference that Jammu and Kashmir desperately needs at this juncture,” she said adding that a rightful settlement of the Kashmir issue can no longer be brushed aside, especially in view of the sacrifices made by our four generations.