Iftikhar Hussain Misger quits NC, pledges support to “Freedom Struggle”

Senior National Conference (NC) leader from Anantnag, Iftikhar Hussain Misger, who recently unsuccessfully contested Assembly election from Anantnag constituency against Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, on Sunday quit his party and pledged support to ongoing “freedom struggle”.
“I hereby pledge my support to the ongoing freedom struggle and announce my resignation from mainstream politics and the NC,” Misger said while addressing street protestors in Cheeni Chowk area of Anantnag, near his home, this evening.
“I apologize to the people for being a part of the mainstream thus far,” he said.
Amid cheers and pro-freedom sloganeering, Misger said he has already given up his security and by late evening today he will be officially denying it.
“Security of my people is all I want,” Misger told the cheering crowd.
People in the crowd termed it as a major development and a shot in the arm for the freedom struggle.
“We wish other mainstream politicians think on same lines as Misger,” some men from the gathering told Kashmir Post.
Misger was seen raising slogans like, “Hum le ke rahengay Azaadi”, “Bharat Ka Jo Yaar Hai Gaddar Hai Gaddar Hai” and “Bharat Ke Aiwanon Ko Aag Laga Do”.
Kashmir Post talked to Misger but he did not immediately comment on the development, excusing himself by saying he was a bit busy right now.
A part of mainstream and NC for a long time now, Misger gained prominence in the party and in public eye after Mehboob Beg defected from NC to PDP ahead of 2014 Assembly elections in the State.
The NC fielded Misger against Mufti Muhammad Sayeed from the Anantnag constituency in 2014 Assembly elections. He lost the election to Mufti.
He also unsuccessfully contested the by-elections in June against Chief Minister, Mehbooba Mufti.