The ‘‘successful (first phase of) elections’’ in J-K is a befitting reply to Pakistan, Deputy Prime Minister L.K. Advani said here today.‘‘From all accounts, today’s polling was free and fair and there were no allegations of rigging in any constituency or any report of coercion by anyone,’’ he said. On incidents of explosions at some places, he said fortunately no one was killed.‘‘I cannot guarantee 90 per cent voter turnout like (Pakistan President Pervez) Musharraf can do,’’ he added, taking a dig at Musharraf’s criticism of polls in the Valley. Polling was held despite Pakistan’s efforts to disrupt the elections, he said.Thanking the J-K government and the Election Commission for their efforts in making the polls a reality, he said: ‘‘In a situation of this kind, the polling itself becomes the touchstone. And conducting successful polling is in itself a befitting reply (to critics). I think the international community would regard this as successful elections,’’ he said, speaking to reporters at North Block this evening.The Deputy Prime Minister disclosed that there were apprehensions of violence with Hizbul Mujahideen chief Syed Salahuddin announcing a reward of Rs 40 Lakh each for eliminating Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah and his son, Omar, and Rs 10 lakh for killing candidates and poll campaigners.‘‘Terrorism is bad in itself, but this is more than terrorism,’’ he said. The international community has now come to ‘‘realise that Pakistan has been promoting terrorism’’, he added.The attacks on the State Assembly on October 1, Parliament on December 13 and on candidates before the elections are all attacks on democracy. The voter turnout in these elections will ‘‘help us expose the sinister designs of our neighbours and simultaneously prove our determination to overcome these designs’’, Advani said.He said the Hurriyat’s calls to boycott the polls and today’s bandh amounted to ‘‘supporting Pakistan’s cause.’’Asked whether the Centre would hold talks with the separatist leaders after the polls, Advani said the Centre will only talk to those who participate in the elections.
