Why Are Leaders in J&K Condemning AAP MLA’s Detention Under PSA?
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Synopsis
In a significant political event, leaders from various parties in Jammu and Kashmir are uniting against the recent detention of AAP MLA Mehraj Malik under the Public Safety Act. This incident has sparked a broader conversation about civil liberties and the implications of such laws in the region.
Key Takeaways
- Politicians across parties in J&K denounce the detention of MLA Mehraj Malik.
- The Public Safety Act is criticized for its potential misuse against political opponents.
- Malik's detention raises concerns about civil liberties and democratic values.
- Authorities have restricted Internet access in Doda to curb misinformation.
- The debate over the PSA continues amid rising political tensions.
Jammu, Sep 9 (NationPress) Politicians from various parties in Jammu and Kashmir, with the exception of the BJP, are denouncing the detention of Mehraj Malik, MLA from Doda, under the Public Safety Act (PSA).
Malik was taken into custody on Monday under the PSA, with the Deputy Commissioner of Doda notifying the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly regarding the MLA's detention.
In his communication to the Assembly Speaker, the Deputy Commissioner indicated that Mehraj Malik had been charged under the PSA due to his activities being detrimental to the preservation of public order.
The Speaker’s office later clarified that the information was shared by the relevant Deputy Commissioner to the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly following established procedures, but this did not imply that the Speaker endorsed the MLA’s detention.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, former CM Mehbooba Mufti, and leaders from the NC and PDP strongly opposed the detention of the legislator, asserting that the PSA should not have been applied in this case.
Commenting on X, leader of the People’s Conference and MLA from Handwara, Sajad Lone, remarked, “For the record, up to 25,000 Kashmiris have been detained under the PSA since its introduction in 1978 by Sheikh Sahib. MLAs have frequently faced detention under this law. My father was detained multiple times while serving as an MLA, as were many others.”
Congress MLA from the Kreeri Wagora constituency in Baramulla, Irfan Hafeez Lone, also condemned Malik’s detention, stating on X, “The PSA against an MLA undermines the Constitution's foundational principles, constituting an assault on its essence, democracy, the rule of law, free expression, and liberty. In K. Bharti, the Supreme Court ruled that Parliament cannot infringe upon the Constitution's basic structure; yet, under the BJP's rule, such violations have become commonplace.”
Lok Sabha member Asaduddin Owaisi, president of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), also condemned the arrest, asserting, “The detention of J&K MLA @MehrajMalikAAP under the PSA is utterly reprehensible. He is the first MLA to be arrested under this draconian law, and every successive government has misused it against its adversaries. Currently, the Union government has detained 400 individuals under the PSA.”
Reports indicate that to curb the spread of misinformation, authorities have restricted Internet access in Doda district to prevent miscreants from disseminating objectionable content.
Malik initially backed the Omar Abdullah-led NC government after the 2014 elections but later withdrew his support, citing the government's inaction in alleviating the people's suffering.
In a recent viral video, Malik used abusive and threatening language towards the Doda Deputy Commissioner, who subsequently filed an FIR against the MLA.
Malik has frequently been in the spotlight for using offensive language towards doctors and government officials within his constituency.
Jammu and Kashmir has a 90-member Legislative Assembly, with 47 seats in the Valley and 43 in the Jammu division.
Point of View
The detention of Mehraj Malik under the Public Safety Act raises crucial questions about the balance between public safety and civil liberties. The criticism from various political leaders underscores a shared concern about the potential misuse of such laws in stifling dissent. As the nation watches, it’s imperative to uphold democratic values and ensure that laws designed for public safety do not become tools for political oppression.
NationPress
09/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Public Safety Act?
The Public Safety Act (PSA) is a law in Jammu and Kashmir that allows for the detention of individuals without trial for up to two years if they are perceived to pose a threat to public safety.
Who criticized Mehraj Malik's detention?
Leaders from various political parties in Jammu and Kashmir, including Omar Abdullah, Mehbooba Mufti, and Sajad Lone, have condemned Malik's detention.
What are the implications of the PSA?
The PSA's implications include potential violations of civil liberties, as it allows for detention without trial and can be misused against political opponents.
How has the government responded to the detention?
The government has not officially commented on the criticism but has defended the use of the PSA as necessary for maintaining public order.
What actions have been taken to prevent unrest following Malik's detention?
Authorities have restricted Internet access in Doda district to prevent the spread of rumors and misinformation.
