Indian-controlled Kashmir governor meets Modi to discuss local situation

The Governor of Indian-controlled Kashmir N N Vohra met Prime Minister Narendra Modi Friday to discuss prevailing situation in the restive region, officials said.

The meeting was held at Indian Prime Minister's Office at South Block in New Delhi.

"The Governor discussed ongoing unrest in the region and briefed Prime Minister about present situation," an official said.

The region is in a fresh phase of violence and witnessed an increase in student protests and clashes.

India's election commission cancelled by-polls for Anantnag parliamentary seat in the wake of continued violence.

The violence began on April 9 during the polling for Srinagar parliamentary seat, which witnessed massive anti-India protests and killing of eight civilians.

The voter turnout in Srinagar constituency was recorded 7 percent. Later on a re-poll in some areas of the constituency saw turnout of mere 2 percent. The turnout recorded was the lowest in decades.

There has been a surge in militant attacks in the region as well. On Tuesday night suspected militants stormed a police post guarding court complex in Shopian district and snatched five service rifles belonging to policemen deployed there.

Prior to that militants on Monday killed five policemen and two security guards of bank after attacking a cash-carrying vehicle belonging to Jammu and Kashmir Bank in adjacent Kulgam district.

A separatist movement and guerrilla war challenging New Delhi's rule is going on in Indian-controlled Kashmir since 1989.

Kashmir, the Himalayan region divided between India and Pakistan is claimed by both in full. Since their independence from Britain, the two countries have fought three wars, two exclusively over Kashmir. Endit