'Undermines faith in democracy': Jammu Kashmir CM, politicians condemns PSA on MLA Mehraj Malik

September 8, 2025 by News Desk

Political leaders across parties have strongly condemned the detention of Doda MLA Mehraj Din Malik under the Jammu and Kashmir Public Safety Act (PSA), calling the move an unprecedented attack on democratic processes in the Union Territory.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, on X, said there is “no justification for detaining Mehraj Malik under PSA.” He described Malik as not being a threat to public safety and said using the discredited law against an elected representative undermines public faith in democracy.

Dr Veeri, MLA Bijbehara and JKNC leader, while noting differences with Malik, termed the PSA action “beyond comprehension,” calling the characterization of Malik as a ‘grave threat to peace and order’ baseless and rooted in a “colonial-era mindset.”

Leaders from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) also expressed solidarity. MP Sanjay Singh said, “AAP MLA Mehraj Malik, raising his voice for hospitals in his area, has been arrested by J\&K police. This is authoritarian governance. Malik is a courageous leader and will not be cowed by such cowardly actions.” Arvind Kejriwal added, “Is demanding a hospital for his constituency such a crime that an elected MLA is thrown in jail? Mehraj Malik is a lion of AAP… Jail, threats, or conspiracies can never scare an AAP worker.”

PDP legislator Waheed Parra described the publication of Malik’s detention notice by the Assembly Secretariat as a “shameful surrender” and a “direct assault on democracy.” He urged CM Omar Abdullah to intervene, warning that “today it’s Mehraj, tomorrow it could be you.”

Sajad Lone, president of the Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Conference, condemned the move as an “assault on the democratic fabric” and a reflection of a “soulless democracy.” He said the PSA detention underscores how the people’s mandate continues to be subservient despite elections, calling it a “very sad day for an already endangered democracy.”

Malik, an AAP legislator, has long confronted the administration over issues including rural health sector mismanagement. This detention marks the first time in Jammu Kashmir’s history that a sitting legislator has been booked under the PSA, triggering widespread criticism from political circles and human rights observers.

Mehraj Din Malik has had notable confrontations with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the administration in Jammu Kashmir.

In the 2024 Jammu Kashmir Legislative Assembly elections, Malik, representing the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), secured a significant victory in the Doda constituency, defeating his nearest BJP rival by a margin of over 4,500 votes

His tenure as a legislator has been marked by vocal criticism of the BJP-led administration, particularly concerning issues like administrative overreach and health sector mismanagement in the region. These confrontations have often placed him at odds with BJP officials and supporters, highlighting the ongoing political tensions between Malik and the party.

Meanwhile, protests have erupted in parts of Doda where people have come out in huge numbers seeking a revocation of the PSA orders against the MLA.