Leaders of Kashmir’s biggest political party have been sworn into office to run a largely powerless local government for the first time after India stripped the region of its special status five years ago.

The elections will bring some self-rule back to the Himalayan region after years of being administered directly by New Delhi.

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

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