Srinagar, May 31 (NAK): Former Chief Minister and Patron Awami National Conference (ANC) G M Shah on Saturday announced that his party would take part in the forthcoming Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir, scheduled to be held by the end of this year.
“ANC which has boycotted the polls for more than two decades would contest impending Assembly polls later this year,” Shah told media persons in Srinagar. He appealed to the factions of Hurriyat Conference to follow suit.
He maintained, “After a gap of 22 years, 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,” adding that if ANC is voted to power, his party will provide clean, efficient and transparent government to the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
He, however, asserted “Both factions of Hurriyat Conference are very important organizations … Not the only ones. I want to meet the leaders of all freedom-loving organizations for formation of a united front to contest the elections.”
He disclosed that during his meeting with the leaders of both factions of Hurriyat Conference, he would discuss the formation of a United Front.
Expressing support to the stand being taken by Hurriyat Conference on the Kashmir issue, he maintained, “The stand of separatist organizations is clear. They want resolution of Kashmir issue through trilateral talks and ANC support their stand.”
It may be mentioned here that both factions of Hurriyat Conference have ruled out taking part in elections as, according to them, it does not address the resolution of Kashmir imbroglio. (NAK)