Kashmir gets largely powerless government after India stripped special status

Paramilitary soldiers stand guard outside the venue of swearing in ceremony of ministers of Kashmir’s local government on the outskirts of Srinagar, Indian controlled Kashmir (Dar Yasin/AP)

Leaders of Kashmir’s biggest political party were sworn into office to run a largely powerless government after the first local election since India stripped the disputed region of its special status five years ago.

National Conference leader Omar Abdullah will be the region’s chief minister after his party won the most seats in the three-phased election.