NEW DELHI/SRINAGAR, 12 October — Indian political parties were trying to set up a new administration to run turbulent Kashmir yesterday after a state election that has raised hopes of peace in the region.
The country’s main opposition Congress party started talks with Kashmir’s People’s Democratic Party on a possible coalition after voters turned against the Abdullah family dynasty that has dominated disputed Kashmir for decades.
“People want good governance and the restoration of peace and we are committed to that,” said Ghulam Nabi Azad, chief of the Congress party in the state. Several independent assembly members have promised to support a coalition, he said.
“It will be a smooth government, it will complete its full term,” Azad predicted, but added it could take a week to work out a coalition agreement with the People’s Democratic Party.
In another development, outgoing Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah tendered his resignation yesterday. His pro-India National Conference won just 28 seats, the Congress won 20, the People’s Democratic Party 16 and other parties and independents got 23.
The United States, which has been trying to reduce tension between India and Pakistan over Kashmir, welcomed the poll.
