New Delhi: Expressing satisfaction over the turnout in the first phase of polling in
Jammu and Kashmir, Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani on September 16 said the conduct
of successful polling was "a befitting reply" to Pakistan which has been "hurling
abuses" at India on the Kashmir issue.
"In a situation of this kind, polling itself becomes the touchstone" for a
functioning democracy, Advani told reporters in New Delhi, adding "I cannot guarantee
90 per cent polling as (President Pervez) Musharraf can do."
"Conducting successful polling is in itself a befitting reply. I think the
international community would regard this as successful elections", he said in reply
to questions.
He said it was "noteworthy" that Hizbul Mujahedeen chief Syed Salahuddin had
announced rewards of Rs 40 lakh "to bump off J&K Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah and
his son, Omar, and 10 lakhs for any candidate or campaigner".
"Terrorism is bad in itself, but this is more than terrorism," the Dy PM said.
PTI
