New Delhi: Presidential nominee A P J Abdul Kalam has sought the support of all in the electoral college to his candidature declaring his "unflinching commitment" to secularism and asserting that Pakistan-backed cross-border terrorism aimed at destabilising India "is doomed".

He also said the basic structure of the Constitution was "unalterable".

In a seven-page appeal to his voters, all MPs and MLAs cutting across party lines, Kalam, the father of India's missile programme, who had played a key role in the 1998 Pokhran nuclear tests, emphasised that national security has to be recognised by everyone as a "national priority" along with speedy development aimed at elimination of poverty and unemployment.

Sharing the concern and outrage of the entire nation on cross-border terrorism, he said Islamabad's policy aimed at destablisation and dismemberment of India "is doomed".

"Jammu and Kashmir was, is and shall always remain an inseparable part of India," Kalam said in the letter despatched to members of the electoral college over a fortnight ahead of the July 15 Presidential election in which he is pitted against Left party nominee Lakshmi Sehgal.

Outlining his thoughts and vision on key national issues, Kalam, who had held a Cabinet rank as Principal Scientific Adviser to the government, said if elected, he would always remain "unwaveringly" faithful to the letter and spirit of the Constitution in performing his duty.

The renowned scientist said he favoured harmonious relations between the Centre and the states and would "fervently uphold" this principle.

PTI