National Conference President Omar Abdullah could quit active politics for two years if his request for admission to a prestigious fellowship in United States is accepted.

Omar has applied for this year's Eisenhower Fellowship in the United States, according to a prominent local daily.

Twenty five emerging leaders from across the world are admitted to the fellowship for a two-year term during which they interact with the global leaders in politics, business, journalism and academics.

Political observers here feel that Omar's absence at this critical juncture would further damage the National Conference which is a pale shadow of its glorious past when it was the most powerful political force in the state.

The Eisenhower fellowship was founded in 1953 as a tribute to US President Dwight D.Eisenhower. Nearly 1,600 prominent personalities across the globe have been the beneficiaries of the fellowship.