Leaders slam PSA on MLA Meraj Malik as assault on democracy
Malik targeted due to popularity and commitment to people, says father
Srinagar: In Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, the imposition of the draconian Public Safety Act (PSA) on sitting Doda legislator Meraj Malik has drawn strong condemnation from across the political spectrum, with leaders terming the move undemocratic aimed at diverting the people’s attention from blasphemous act at the Hazratbal shrine.
According to Kashmir Media Service, Peoples Democratic Party President Mehbooba Mufti said the use of PSA against an elected representative was unjustified and a diversionary tactic. “Even if there was verbal disagreement with officials, slapping PSA on a people’s representative is unwarranted. Such actions erode democracy and muzzle the voice of the people,” she told reporters in Srinagar. Mehbooba warned that repeated curbs on public expression, as seen in other South Asian countries, could have serious repercussions.
Aam Admi Party Member of Parliament Sanjay Singh, who arrived in Jammu along with senior party leader Imran Hussain, termed Malik’s detention “illegal and unconstitutional.” He said the law meant for ‘terrorists’ had been weaponized against an elected MLA for raising the grievances of his constituency. “This is one hundred percent wrong. We will resist this injustice on the streets, in Parliament, and, if required, in the Indian Supreme Court,” Singh said, accusing the BJP government of systematically targeting opposition leaders through fabricated cases.
Shamasuddin Malik, father of the detained MLA, stressed that his son’s popularity and commitment to the people had made him a target.
Meanwhile, IIOJK Congress chief Tariq Hameed Karra described the PSA detention as a “direct attack on democracy.” Speaking in RS Pura, he said, “Perhaps the conduct of the MLA may have been questioned, but invoking PSA on an elected representative is fundamentally wrong. This reflects a dangerous tussle between bureaucracy and democracy.”
The arrest has triggered widespread protests across Doda, Kishtwar and Reasi, with residents demanding Malik’s release. Authorities have responded with heavy deployment of forces and prohibitory restrictions, but the agitation continues to grow, highlighting deepening public anger against the misuse of draconian laws in the territory.
