'Grave threat to peace': Official order confirms Mehraj Malik's PSA, Protests erupt in Doda

September 8, 2025 by News Desk

In a historic first for Jammu Kashmir, Mehraj Din Malik, MLA from Doda-52, has been booked under the Jammu and Kashmir Public Safety Act (PSA), 1978, officials confirmed on Monday.

According to an official intimation from Harvinder Singh, IAS, District Magistrate Doda (Ref. No. 3571-73/DM/Doda dated 08-09-2025), Malik’s activities were deemed “prejudicial to the maintenance of public order,” posing a “grave threat to peace and law and order in the district.”

The preventive detention under PSA was considered necessary to safeguard public order, as per the order, accessed by The Kashmiriyat.

The notice was published in the Jammu Kashmir Legislative Assembly under Rule 260 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business.

Earlier, the District Magistrate of Doda in order number 3571-73/DM/DodaDate:-8.09.2025 had intimated the assembly under secretary regarding booking of Mehraj Din Malik, Hon’ble MLA Doda-52, under the provisions of J&K Public Safety Act, 1978.

“In pursuance of the requirement to keep the Hon’ble Speaker of the Legislative Assembly informed, it is kindly submitted that Shri Mehraj Din Malik, Hon’ble Member of Legislative Assembly (Constituency Doda-52), has been booked under the provisions of the Jammu and Kashmir Public Safety Act, 1978, on grounds of his activities being prejudicial to the maintenance of public order.”

The DC further said that the said action has been taken after “due consideration of all relevant materials, reports, and circumstances” that clearly establish that the continuance of such activities by the Hon’ble Member posed a grave threat to peace, public order, and tranquility in the district.

“Preventive detention under the PSA was, therefore, found necessary in the interest of maintaining public order and safeguarding law and order in the region. This intimation is being submitted for your kind information and record, as required,” the order of DC Doda, accessed by The Kashmiriyat, read.

Malik, an AAP legislator known for his frequent confrontations with the administration, has previously raised allegations of mismanagement and interference in the region’s health sector.

In 2024, his protests over staff shortages at GMC Doda triggered a doctors’ strike, prompting the administration to act.

Earlier today, he and five of his associates were named in FIR No. 90/2025 for allegedly stealing hospital equipment and obstructing health workers during the relocation of a rural health centre in Thathri.

Sources said Malik was picked up from the MLA hostel and shifted to Bhaderwah, with reports indicating he may be lodged at either Bhaderwah or Kathua jail.

Multiple FIRs have been filed against him over the years, but this marks the first instance of a sitting legislator being booked under the PSA in the region.

Meanwhile people have taken to streets in several areas of Doda seeking an immediate revocation of the public safety act lodged against the sitting MLA.