Father of detained IIOJK MLA Meraj Malik collapses during press conference, appeals for son’s release
Jammu: In Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, the father of detained legislator Meraj Malik fainted during a press conference in Jammu while making an emotional appeal for his son’s release, prompting supporters to rush him to Government Medical College (GMC) for treatment.
According to Kashmir Media Service, Shams Din, father of the Doda MLA Meraj Malik, appealed for revocation of Malik’s detention under the draconian Public Safety Act (PSA). Malik’s arrest has sparked widespread protests in Doda and strong political reactions across IIOJK. His father has been at the forefront, making emotional appeals for his son’s release.
Shams Din said, “I gave my son to the people, now I want him back. His four daughters are crying at home — the youngest is just two-and-a-half years old. His mother and wife are also in tears. Who will take care of them?”. He demanded the suspension of the Deputy Commissioner Doda and called for independent probe into the case.
Political voices across the spectrum have extended support to the Malik family. IIOJK Chief Minister Omar Abdullah met Shams Din on Friday, assuring legal assistance. Muzaffar Iqbal Khan, a former Indian Supreme Court advocate from Thanamandi, has also announced that he will represent Malik free of cost.
AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal earlier condemned the detention, questioning whether an elected representative should be jailed merely for seeking basic amenities for his constituency. Civil society groups and opposition leaders have also criticized the use of PSA against a sitting legislator.
