Srinagar, Aug 6 - Is the new Jammu and Kashmir legislative complex here haunted by evil spirits that have prompted the resignation of two chief ministers and ugly scenes? Sounds naive, but that is exactly what assembly officials and even some legislators who quietly conducted an elaborate religious ritual to exorcise the spirits believe.

After Chief Minister Omar Abdullah's resignation on July 28 and unprecedented scenes of chaos in the assembly, officials of the Kashmir assembly organised a religious ritual Wednesday evening to ward off 'evil'.

Twenty-five senior Muslim clerics of the Kashmir Valley were invited for a special ceremonial ritual held in the legislative complex, situated on the banks of the Jhelum in the heart of the city, an official said.

The clerics recited 'durood-e-najaat' -- special Arabic verses which Muslims believe help in warding off the jinx and black magic -- and distributed sweets after it was over.

'The ritual was held because we believe there is some evil spirit in the newly constructed complex,' the official told IANS requesting anonymity as the event was kept under wraps.

'Since the new complex was thrown open last year, unprecedented incidents have been happening in the house,' he said.

The new complex held its first session July 7 last year. Incidentally, then chief minister Ghulam Nabi Azad was forced to resign from the post on the same day over the bitter Amarnath land row. The assembly was dissolved soon after and new elections were held in November-December last year.

Since the capital was in Jammu then, the newly elected members of the house met and took oath in the state's winter capital.

When the house met for its budget session July 27 this year in the new complex in Srinagar, it began with chaos and confusion.

On the first day of the budget session, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti attacked Speaker Mohammed Akber Lone and snatched his mike.