Coming out clearly against 'intolerance and violence' in the name of religion, India's presidential nominee A PJ Abdul Kalam spoke of his unflinching commitment to secularism and the letter and spirit of the constitution and dismissed criticism that he was hawk on security issues.

In the midst of his campaign, Kalam wrote a seven-page letter to his electoral college comprising MPs and MLAs outlining his vision for the Presidency saying the basic structure of the Constitution was unalterable.

He also expressed concern over cross-border terrorism pursued by Pakistan as a matter of state policy and said it aims for destablisation and dismemberment of India "is dommed". Jammu and Kashmir "was, is, and shall always remain an inseparable part of India", he asserted.

In an apparent rebuttal of charges that he has been fielded by the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) to cover up for event in the western Indian state of Gujarat, Kalam said "secularism is the essence of Indianness.

"I also wish to reiterate unflinching commitment to the principle of secularism, which is the cornerstone of our nationhood.

"Intolerance and violence in the name of religion is the worst form of irreligion. True religion is that Ocean of Spiritualism in which all faiths shine in brilliance. To people in politics and government, it teaches the message of leadership with compassion and fairness," he said.

The 72-year-old expert in missile technology and a newcomer to politics said the broad and enthusiastic support he had received from all corners and communities of India was itself a resounding reminder that the country's secular ethos was alive and vibrant.

"I am truly overwhelmed at the whole-hearted endorsement I have received from a wide spectrum of the country's political establishment, cutting across the divide between the ruling and most of the opposition parties. I take this to be a symbol of the essential unity of our political establishment ...," Kalam said.

Maintaining that the basic structure of the Constitution was unalter-

able, he said it has stood the test of time and shown itself to be having the vigor, vitality and eternal freshness that made it capable of meeting any challenge that new circumstances might hurl at it.

Favouring the principle of "change with continuity", he said "my first and foremost task is to respect and uphold the Constitutional processes, in the best interest of our people and the nation".

Countering criticism by left parties that he was hawk on security matters, Kalam said national security has to be recognised by every Indian as a national priority.

"I am proud of my role in our country's space, nuclear and missile programmes, because I believe that these have greatly strengthened India's national security, enabled us to follow an independent foreign policy, and helped us to overcome challenges created by technological denial and economic sanctions by powerful countries," he said.

"Our national security is guided by defensive considerations. It poses no threat to any country in the world," the father of India's missile programme said.

Stressing that India's foreign policy has always stood on a strong edifice of national consensus, the Presidential candidate said he wished to develop and further strengthen ties of friendship and mutually beneficial cooperation with all countries in the world.