Massive protests erupt in Doda against MLA’s arrest under PSA, internet blocked
Political leaders across spectrum denounce move as ‘unjustifiable, repressive’
Srinagar: In Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, the detention of Aam Aadmi Party legislator Meraj Malik under the draconian Public Safety Act (PSA) has triggered massive protests across Doda district, while authorities imposed internet restrictions to stifle dissent.
According to Kashmir Media Service, thousands of people staged demonstrations in Gandoh, Kahara, Bhalessa and other areas of Doda, demanding the immediate release of the elected lawmaker. Shouting slogans against the authorities, the protesters condemned Malik’s arrest as a brazen assault on democracy and the rights of the people who voted for him. Shops and business establishments in several areas remained closed amid heavy deployment of Indian forces.
Malik, a postgraduate in political science and AAP’s IIOJK president, was dragged by policemen in full public view and shifted first to Bhaderwah jail in Kishtwar and later to Kathua jail under tight security. Authorities have slapped PSA on him for one year citing multiple FIRs, even though he has not been convicted in any case. His supporters, including social activist Syed Mohsin, said the black law has been used to “orphan an entire constituency” and vowed to challenge the detention in court.
Internet services have been throttled in large parts of Doda, with locals reporting inability to access video platforms like YouTube and Instagram. Several of Malik’s supporters, including Owais Chaudhary and Sheikh Zafrullah, were also detained by police to prevent protests.
Police also arrested Congress leader Sheikh Zafarullah in Kishtwar while going to join the protest in Doda against the MLA’s arrest.
Meanwhile, opposition leaders from across the political spectrum – including the National Conference, PDP, AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal and parliamentarians Asaduddin Owaisi and Syed Ruhullah Mehdi – have strongly denounced the detention. They said the arrest exposes the authoritarian face of the Modi regime, which is silencing elected representatives while shielding its own appointees.
The protesters warned that if the PSA against Malik is not revoked and internet services are not restored immediately, the agitation will intensify.
