NEW DELHI, SEPTEMBER 10: The Deputy PM today reiterated that Pakistan-occupied Kashmir is an integral part of India. L.K. Advani was referring to the reported Pakistani move to convert the LoC into the International Border. ‘‘According to the Indian Constitution, J-K is a part of India and our Government is committed to it,’’ he said.

He warned Pakistan against disrupting the polls. ‘‘Infiltration is on the rise again as polls are approaching. It will, however, not affect the election process because terrorists have anyway been active in the state,’’ Advani said.

Unlike on Gujarat, the Centre and the Election Commission (EC) see eye to eye on a free and fair poll in J-K with mass participation.

‘‘The EC is trying to ensure that elections are not only fair but also seen to be fair. We have taken all measures to ensure that candidates, voters and EC staff have adequate security to carry out their tasks.’’

According to Advani, enthusiastic candidates and people are coming out in large numbers. ‘‘Terrorists tried to scare people by killing a candidate and attacking a motorcade in Kupwara. These designs will not be permitted to succeed.’’

On his refusal to talk to separatist leader Shabir Shah, Advani said this was not the time.

‘‘Before polls were announced, the Ministry of Home Affairs tried to talk to the leaders. Now, with the poll schedule already announced, I do not want to talk at my level. But I have no objections to my colleagues holding discussions. But now we will talk to only those who will contest, and after the elections,’’ he said.