National Conference leader Iftikhar Misgar on Sunday quit the party and joined the separatist movement in the state. Misgar announced his decision in Anantnag town on Sunday evening and immediately joined a street protest, reported NDTV.

Misgar reportedly joined the separatists out of fear for the safety of his family after his house was attacked. A local news channel quoted Misgar as saying, “I have already given up security and today I want to announce publicly that I don’t need any security. People’ security is what I need.” Misgar had earlier contested the Anantnag bypoll, which he lost to Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti.

Attacks on politicians have gone up ever since the Valley erupted in violent protests against the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani. The house of a Peoples Democratic Party legislator was set on fire at Kojernag while another was injured during protests. Around 50 people have died so far and scores injured. More than 20 days have passed and the Valley is yet to return to normalcy.