The NC President Dr. Farooq Abdullah, talking with reporters on April 18, asserted that the people of Jammu and Kashmir had a right to democracy and that they were ready to kill to uphold this right. He was responding to the threat issued by the Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) on April 18 warning people against taking part in the forthcoming parliamentary elections. Dr. Abdullah stated that he would mobilize world opinion against terrorists who were infringing on the right to democracy of the people of the state. Dr. Abdullah further added that the advent of militancy in 1989 had destroyed the economy of the state1.

Meanwhile, five people, including two Village Defence Committee members were killed and eight others injured after the vehicle they were traveling was hit by a landmine in Poonch District on April 212.

The central government admitted on April 21 that around 50 terrorists had infiltrated into J and K through the Gurez sector in North Kashmir. The Home Ministry however dismissed as “grossly exaggerated” reports that 158 terrorists had sneaked into the state3.

• 1. “'Terrorists' infringing on right to democracy: Farooq,” Daily Excelsior, April 19, 2009, at http://www.dailyexcelsior.com/web1/09apr20/news.htm#3
• 2. “Five killed in Poonch blast, 8 injured,” Hindu, April 22, 2009, at http://www.hindu.com/2009/04/22/stories/2009042256490100.htm
• 3. “Centre admits 50 militants infiltrate into J&K,” Daily Excelsior, April 23, 2009, at http://www.dailyexcelsior.com/web1/09apr23/news1.htm#2