ASIA/INDIA - New first minister of Kashmir state in post-earthquake emergency has full support of Christian community to assist afflicted people

New Delhi (Fides Service) - Taking over the government of a state or a region at a time of emergency as the present post-earthquake situation is not easy. In fact Ghulam Nabi Azad, the new first minister of Jammu and Kashmir state, who took office on 2 November has received messages of good wishes and assurance of support from political, civil, and religious bodies operating in this border state affected by the devastating earthquake on October 8.
The local Catholic community in Kashmir also sent messages of congratulations to Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad promising full cooperation in the coming months to handle the emergency of the displaced families in mountain villages in need of all round assistance.
Among the groups which sent message the All Jammu and Kashmir Catholic Sabha AJKCS which said it hoped Mr Azad’s office “will herald an era of peace, prosperity and happiness for all the people of the state”, who have suffered fifty years of conflict and infiltration of violent groups of fundamentalists.
Assuring of him of full support AJKCS director Mr Lal Gil asked the Minister to put an end to acts of discrimination in some parts of the state, for example admission to certain colleges or professions is still at times granted according to caste or region of origin.
However the local Catholic community has said it is ready to cooperate in every way and at all levels to carry on the necessary work of assisting earthquake victims with medical care and food supplies .
(PA) (Agenzia Fides 5/11/2005 Righe: 25 Parole: 277)