After boycotting elections for more than two decades, Awami National Conference (ANC) on Saturday said it will take part in Jammu and Kashmir assembly polls later this year.
Announcing the decision, party patron and former chief minister GM Shah appealed to the factions of Hurriyat Conference to follow suit.
"After a gap of 22 years, the ANC has been forced to participate in the ensuing state assembly elections, only as an administrative measure with no bearing on the future of the disputed status of the state of Jammu and Kashmir," Shah told reporters in Srinagar.
Shah said if voted to power his party will provide clean, efficient and transparent government to the people of the state.
Shah said he would like to meet the leaders of both factions of Hurriyat Conference and discuss the formation of a United Front.
"Both factions of Hurriyat Conference are very important organisations ... Not the only ones. I want to meet the leaders of all freedom-loving organisations for formation of a united front to contest the elections," he said.
Both factions of Hurriyat Conference have ruled out taking part in elections as, according to them, it does not address the resolution of Kashmir issue.
{{/usCountry}}Both factions of Hurriyat Conference have ruled out taking part in elections as, according to them, it does not address the resolution of Kashmir issue.
{{/usCountry}}Shah was, however, supportive of the stand taken by Hurriyat Conference on the Kashmir issue.
"The stand of separatist organisations is clear. They want resolution of Kashmir issue through trilateral talks and I support their stand," Shah said.