But none of this entitles Mohammad Ashraf Bhat, 69, to security cover in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s new Kashmir. As the security forces locked the Valley down on August 5, Bhat went into hiding, moving from one relative’s house to another. Police sources admitted that several pro-India politicians had had their security withdrawn or downgraded, adding that 18 little-known BJP functionaries had been accorded official security. Bhat’s family feels the government has “abandoned” them. Bhat shares his sprawling house with the family of his slain brother Fayaz, who too have lost their security shield.

Source: The Telegraph September 29, 2019 21:00 UTC