Indian Kashmir premier quits after poll rout
( 2002-10-11 16:26 ) (7 )

Indian Kashmir's chief minister quit on Friday a day after his party was routed in a state assembly election, ending decades of dynastic rule in the disputed region.

"I have tendered my resignation, I want to take a rest. After that, I will decide what to do," Farooq Abdullah told reporters after meeting the state governor.

It was not immediately clear if Governor G. C. Saxena would control the state until a new government is formed or if Abdullah would be asked to stay on in a caretaker role.

Two pro-Indian parties are discussing a coalition after making surprise gains in an election that has stoked hopes of peace in the revolt-racked region at the centre of tensions between India and Pakistan.