The legislative assembly in Indian-administered Kashmir has been dissolved and the state has been put under direct federal rule.
The state's chief minister Ghulam Nabi Azad resigned on Monday after a key coalition partner pulled out.
The move followed angry protests by Muslims and Hindus over a proposed transfer of land to a Hindu shrine.
At least five people died and hundreds were wounded in the unrest which went on for more than a week.
The region's governor had accepted Mr Azad's resignation, but asked him and his ministers to stay on until alternative arrangements were made.
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Violent protests
The governor of the state of Jammu and Kashmir, NN Vohra, issued a proclamation on Thursday night dissolving the assembly, an official spokesman said.
The governor will now directly administer the state, he said.
Mr Azad's administration was reduced to a minority a fortnight ago after the People's Democratic Party (PDP) withdrew from the coalition following Muslim protests over the land transfer plans.
Mr Azad quit ahead of a vote of confidence in the state assembly.
The Kashmir valley has witnessed violent protests in recent weeks following the government's decision to grant 40 hectares of forest land to the Amarnath Shrine Board.
Muslims argued the move was aimed at altering the demographic balance in the area.
The state government said the Amarnath Shrine Board needed the land to erect huts and toilets for visiting pilgrims.
But after days of protests, it rescinded its decision which led to unrest among Hindus in the state's Hindu-majority region of Jammu.
Demonstrations also spread to other parts of India, with hard-line Hindu groups accusing the Kashmir government of giving in to the demands of separatists.
(BBC)
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