Shah Faesal, the IAS topper and medical doctor who left the civil services for public life, has announced his decision to quit politics, becoming a casualty of the abrogation of Article 370.

Faesal, the only Kashmiri to top the IAS exams, had resigned from the civil services to launch his political party last year. Many saw him as a potential chief minister and an alternative to traditional forces such as the National Conference and the People’s Democratic Party.

Faesal, 37, soon found himself in uncharted territory as the Centre abrogated Article 370. He, along with thousands of others, was arrested and continues to be under house arrest.

He was not available for comment but the Jammu and Kashmir People’s Movement (JKPM), the party he founded last year, said he was calling it quits.

“Dr Shah Faesal had informed the state executive members that he is not in a position to continue with political activities and wants to be freed from the responsibilities of the organisation,” a statement said.

The party has accepted his request “so that he can better continue with his life and contribute whichever way he chooses”.

On Sunday, Faesal had changed his Twitter bio, which identified him as the JKPM chief, triggering speculation that he could exit politics.

Faesal had announced his resignation from the civil services in January 2019 and, two months later, launched the JKPM.

He had been one of the sharpest critics of the abrogation of Article 370.

He was detained under the Public Safety Act while on his way to Harvard to pursue a course. He was released in June this year and placed under house arrest a day later.

Faesal’s resignation from government service was never accepted and speculation is rife that he might rejoin the bureaucracy.

Shah’s success in the civil services exam has inspired many young Kashmiris to sit the exam. This year, a record 16 candidates cleared the exam from Jammu and Kashmir.

The JKPM said it would appoint vice-president Feroze Peerzada as its interim chief until formal elections can be held for the post of party president.