"We are ready to face them (separatists) and then let the people decide who is going to represent them," Omar told reporters here, 14 kms from Srinagar.
He said the National Conference has been ready for the challenge since 1996 as the then Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah said on record that the assembly will be dissolved if Hurriyat leaders decide to contest the elections.
"The then Chief Minister said on record in the state assembly that if the Hurriyat leaders were ready to contest the elections, the assembly will be dissolved to facilitate their participation," Omar said.
In response to a question, the Chief Minister said it was not for him to worry about the cracks appearing in the ranks of the moderate faction of Hurriyat Conference.
"It is not for me to worry about the internal dynamics of the Hurriyat Conference. It is for Hurriyat to worry about. Division in their ranks is harmful to their own interests," he added.
Asked about his assessment of the situation in the Valley during this summer, Omar said he did not have a "magic wand" that can help him in predicting as to how the next six months will pass.
"I can only assure the people that we will not take any step
