Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti has strongly criticised the detention of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA from Doda, Mehraj Malik, under the Public Safety Act (PSA). Calling the move “unjustified” and “diversionary,” she alleged that the action was meant to shift focus from sensitive issues such as mass detentions in Kashmir, the Hazratbal controversy, and recent floods in Doda. Mehbooba urged the Lieutenant Governor to intervene, warning that suppressing voices of dissent could further deteriorate the situation in Jammu and Kashmir.
1. Mehbooba Seeks Immediate Release
PDP president Mehbooba Mufti on Wednesday demanded the release of AAP’s Doda MLA Mehraj Malik, detained under the PSA.
2. Detention Called Diversionary Tactic
She alleged Malik’s arrest was aimed at diverting attention from recent mass detentions in Kashmir that hurt public sentiments.
3. Questioning the Justification
Mehbooba said an MLA may have spoken harshly, but applying a stringent law like PSA was unjustified and excessive.
4. PSA Against a Legislator
“Slapping PSA on an MLA shows where the law stands in Jammu and Kashmir,” the PDP chief stated.
5. Link to Hazratbal Incident
She connected Malik’s detention to the Hazratbal issue, where religious sentiments were allegedly hurt, blaming authorities for mismanaging it.
6. Allegations Against Waqf Board
Instead of holding the Waqf Board and its chairperson accountable, Mehbooba said, authorities chose to target political voices.
7. Reference to Doda Floods
She also linked the detention to floods and cloudbursts in Doda, claiming Malik was made a scapegoat to deflect attention.
8. Appeal to Lieutenant Governor
Mehbooba urged the LG administration to withdraw FIRs connected to Hazratbal and release Malik without delay.
9. Warning Against Suppressing Voices
She cautioned that curbing freedom of expression could worsen the situation in Jammu and Kashmir instead of resolving tensions.
10. Comparisons with Neighbouring Countries
Drawing parallels, she said suppression of voices in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Nepal led to unrest, warning J&K could face similar risks.
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