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"I think those elements who have some affinity with Pakistan will not take part in these election," he said in New Delhi.
Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf's statements on the Kashmir election were a kind of an order to these elements not to participate in the poll process, he said.
Even if these elements were inclined to take part, they "later decided not to do so", he said. "I feel the Hurriyat is influenced by Pakistan."
When asked whether he thought Pakistan was behind the fatal attack on Hurriyat leader Abdul Gani Lone and whether such attacks were a message to those who wanted to take part in the polls, he said, "Correct, there is no doubt about it."
The "murderous attacks" against those who favoured the election were meant to send a message to these sections "not to participate in the polls by putting their lives in danger", he said.
Asked if the Centre favoured governor's rule in the state for the election, he said that it was up to the state government to decide on the issue.
"Not only should the election be free and fair, but they should also seem free and fair," he said.
On the issue of autonomy and more powers to the state, he said Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee had recently stated that the government would discuss the relations between New Delhi and Srinagar, and between Srinagar and other parts of J&K with the newly elected representatives.
He said efforts were on to ensure mass participation in the election and several individuals and groups were trying to work in that direction, hinting at the Kashmir Committee headed by former law minister Ram Jethmalani.
PTI
Jammu and Kashmir Elections 2002: The complete coverage
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