Srinagar, Oct 10: Opposition National Conference today said it would extend outside support to any group which would come forward to form an alternative government to the ruling coalition in Jammu and Kashmir. "We will support any group which will come forward to form an alternative government to the present ruling coalition in Jammu and Kashmir," leader of opposition in the state assembly and NC leader Ghulam Mohiuddin Shah told reporters here.

He, however, declined to comment on whether the National Conference was in touch with any political parties in the state to form an alternative government but named People's Democratic Front, National Panthers Party and CPM as possible partners in the alliance that his party would support from outside. If the troika decides to join hands with us to form an alternative government, they will comfortably pass the magical figure of 44 in the 87-member state assembly with the support of 28 National Conference members.

Shah, who was booked by state vigilance on October 8 for his involvement in a land scam, said the government had failed miserably in fulfilling its promises and claimed the public resentment against it was rising. Asked about the reported dissent within the NC camp, Shah said, "There is no truth in it. We are a united flock and believe in party hierarchy. Whatever decision the party high command will take, we will abide by it".

Bureau Report