Centre to replace J&K governor? Five names doing rounds as his successor

New Delhi: The Centre may replace NN Vohra as governor of Jammu and Kashmir and one of the five names doing the rounds is likely to succeed him, a media report said on Saturday citing a top government official.

According to news18.com, three retired generals and two former governors are in the race to replace NN Vohra.

The move is reportedly part of the Centre’s effort to jump start the governance process in the state.

Former Union minister and BJP leader General BC Khanduri, General Syed Ata Hasnain, General VP Malik, former Delhi Lieutenant Governor Vijay Kapoor and ex-Mizoram Governor AR Kohli are in the race to replace him, the report said.

Citing an unnamed Union government official, it said that a final decision would be taken by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a few days.

Kashmir has been on the boil for several weeks now after the killing of militant Burhan Wani. The death of the 22-year-old social media savvy militant, largely blamed for reviving separatist sentiments in the valley, triggered a wave of stone-pelting protests.

Over 11,000 persons -- including 7,000 civilians and 4,000 security personnel -- have been injured in the deadliest unrest the valley has seen in six years.

Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti favoured talks "with all stakeholders" to solve the Kashmir issue but asked separatist leaders to shun violence.

"They (the separatists) have to decide if they want to talk. On one side, you tell youth to attack security forces and army camps... Talks should be held with those who want peaceful resolution of the Kashmir issue. For others, it is a business. Those who provoke people and cause bloodshed don`t want talks."

Mufti, who met PM Modi here on Saturday, rejected the separatist notion that the United Nations can solve the Kashmir problem.