Jaitley congratulates J-K people for embracing democracy

Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Wednesday congratulated the people of Jammu and Kashmir for turning out in high numbers to cast their vote, adding that the state has embraced democracy and rejected the notion that change can be brought only by using guns and bullets.

"I congratulate the people of Jammu and Kashmir for standing up for democracy. The percentage of polling in Jammu and Kashmir is 71-72 percent. This proves that people of the state have sought the support of the power of democracy. They have rejected the notion that change can be brought only by using guns and bullets," Jaitley said.

"This is the thought which inspires people to go out and vote when there are some who are saying that elections should be boycotted," he added.

The minister also said that Pakistan should understand that boundaries cannot be redrawn.

"Pakistan should understand that boundaries cannot be redrawn, Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India," Jaitley said.

The second phase of the legislative assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday saw a voter turnout of 71 percent, matching that of the first phase of voting.

The counting of the votes of the five-phase elections will take place on December 23.