New Delhi, Sept 17: Expressing satisfaction over the turnout in the first phase of polling in Jammu and Kashmir, Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani 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 here, adding that "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 4 mn "to bump off J and K Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah and his son, Omar, and ten lakhs for any candidate or campaigner".
"Terrorism is bad in itself, but this is more than terrorism," the DPM said. Bureau Report