Peoples Democratic Party President and former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti on Saturday condemned the use of Public Safety Act against Doda MLA Mehraj Malik, calling it a grave injustice and a dangerous precedent.
Speaking to reporters after offering condolences to the family of late Chaudhary Salamuddin Bajard, Mehbooba said the government should have handled the issue through democratic institutions rather than putting an elected representative behind bars.
“Slapping PSA on an elected MLA is unjust. The Speaker should have called an urgent Assembly session, discussed the matter, and passed a resolution to be sent to Delhi, making it clear that such actions will not be tolerated,” she said as per KNS.
Mehbooba accused the government of weakening democratic institutions in Jammu and Kashmir. She said instead of addressing the issue in the Assembly, authorities chose to silence an elected leader. “This is injustice. There is still time for the Speaker to rise above political differences and call a session. Whatever scores you have to settle with PDP, do it, but don’t undermine democracy,” she remarked.
She also questioned CM Omar Abdullah’s remarks on providing legal help.
“If legal aid has to be given, it should be to thousands of poor prisoners whose families lack resources and power, not to an MLA who has enough means to fight his case,” Mehbooba said.
The PDP chief reminded that thousands of Kashmiri prisoners are lodged in jails across India, including Tihar, Agra, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh. “Their families cannot afford to even meet them. If anyone deserves help, it is those powerless families, not influential politicians,” she added.
Mehbooba also referred to AAP MP Sanjay Singh’s recent arrest in Jammu, saying his detention should serve as a reminder of the consequences of supporting the abrogation of Article 370. “In 2019, he voted for its removal, claiming it was good for J&K. Today he has himself tasted the consequences of that vote,” she said.
Mehbooba urged the Speaker to act immediately. “The Assembly session should be called without delay, a debate must be held, and a resolution passed for Mehraj Malik’s release. Such actions against elected representatives must never be repeated,” she said.(KNS)
