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.

SRINAGAR, India (AP) — 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.

A plea seeking the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir's statehood in a time-bound manner was brought before the Supreme Court on Thursday, with the court agreeing to hear the matter urgently. Senior advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan,

The fresh application was filed by Zahoor Ahmad Bhat, an academician, and Khurshaid Ahmad Malik, a socio-political activist, in Jammu and Kashmir.

The Supreme Court has agreed to consider hearing a plea for statehood in Jammu and Kashmir. The apex court had previously upheld the revocation of Article 370 and called for assembly elections by September 2024.