Young pro-India leader sworn in as Kashmir chief

JAMMU, India (AFP) – A young pro-India Muslim was Monday sworn in as the new chief minister of revolt-hit Kashmir after elections that attracted a higher turnout than many politicians and voters expected.

Omar Abdullah, the 38-year-old leader of the National Conference, took the oath of office at a tightly guarded auditorium in Jammu, the state's winter capital.

Despite a boycott call by separatists and Islamic rebels, more than 60 percent of voters took part in the polls, which came after a period of direct federal rule.

Kashmir is divided into Indian- and Pakistani-controlled zones and has been the trigger for two wars between the South Asian rivals since their independence from Britain in 1947.

Abdullah was backed by India's ruling Congress party for the top job, after polls in the troubled Muslim-majority region produced no single party strong enough to form the government on its own.

"I swear to uphold the sovereignty and integrity of India," said Abdullah, wearing a long black coat and white shalwar at the ceremony, which was attended by Congress party chief Sonia Gandhi.

English-born Abdullah inherited the party leadership in 2002 from his father, Farooq Abdullah, but is seen as more moderate.

"Omar is more acceptable. He is young and understands the Kashmir dispute well. He has promised to facilitate talks between separatists and New Delhi," said Yasmeen Ali, a lecturer. "I am hopeful he will deliver."

The National Conference won 28 of the state assembly's 87 seats, while the Congress Party bagged 17.