Srinagar, May 16 -- Former chief minister and National Conference vice-president Omar Abdullah on Thursday advocated for lifting of the ban on Jamaat-e-Islami and paving way for them to contest the upcoming assembly elections, while the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) also welcomed anybody entering mainstream politics.

The reactions come after a top leader of the banned Jamaat-e-Islami, a politico-religious body based in the Valley, on Wednesday said they would participate in the upcoming assembly polls if the Centre revokes the ban on the outfit.

Talking to reporters in north Kashmir's Bandipora, Omar Abdullah said the ban should be lifted, adding, "In the coming assembly elections they should take a plunge and participate enthusiasticall...