Detention of AAP MLA Mehraj Malik Under PSA Sparks Heated Debate Across J&K
Srinagar/Jammu, Sept 9:
The arrest of AAP MLA Mehraj Malik from Doda under the Public Safety Act (PSA) has triggered a wave of debate, both on the ground in Jammu and Kashmir and across social media platforms.
A Owais AIMIN Leader and MP called the move an attack on democracy.
“There’s no justification for detaining an elected MLA under PSA. He is not a threat to public safety.
If an unelected administration can slap this law on a people’s representative, how can citizens trust the democratic process?” he asked.
But the MLA’s conduct has also drawn sharp criticism.
Malik allegedly used abusive language against a Deputy Commissioner, calling him names too derogatory to repeat, and was accused of spitting on an IAS officer.
This behaviour has angered many. “What’s democratic about shouting down officers and insulting them in public?
An elected representative should set standards, not break them,” said another commentator.
Supporters of the action argue that unchecked behaviour of lawmakers damages the morale of government employees.
“He threatened staff, hurled abuses, and intimidated officers. If no action is taken, what message does it send to those serving in tough conditions?” one social media user wrote.
The AAP leadership, however, has defended Malik, calling his detention an attempt to muzzle genuine demands.
In a statement, the party said: “Mehraj Malik was only asking for a hospital in his constituency. To silence that voice, Amit Shah’s police arrested him. This is dictatorship, pure and simple.”
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