JAMMU, Jan 5: National Conference leader Omar Abdullah was sworn in as the chief minister of occupied Kashmir on Monday.

Mr Abdullah, 38, was backed by the Congress party for the post.

“I swear to uphold the sovereignty and integrity of India,” he said at the ceremony held under tight security. It was attended by Congress party chief Sonia Gandhi.

Omar Abdullah, who was born in England, inherited the party leadership in 2002 from his father Farooq Abdullah.

“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.”

All Parties Hurriyat Conference chief Mirwaiz Omar Farooq said: “(Omar) cannot ignore the recent massive freedom demonstrations. If he is sincere he should help address the aspirations of Kashmiris.”

The National Conference won 28 of the state assembly’s 87 seats, while the Congress party bagged 17.—AFP/Reuters