Supporters Protest in Doda, Urge Revocation of PSA Against Arrested AAP MLA

Quick Summary

• Protests erupted in parts of Chenab Valley after AAP MLA Mehraj Malik was arrested under the Public Safety Act (PSA).
• Supporters marched in Doda town and Bhalessa,defying security barricades,and demanded justice for Mr. Malik.
• Demonstrations led to a highway blockade while police resorted to teargas shells to disperse crowds. Internet and calling services were reportedly slowed down.
• Mr. malik’s PSA dossier accuses him of glorifying militants, inciting acts against government offices, promoting drug use, and being a habitual offender.
• AAP spokesperson Muddasir Hassan described the arrest as undemocratic and accused authorities of silencing dissent through harsh laws like PSA.
• Chief Minister Omar Abdullah questioned the grounds for invoking PSA against Mr.Malik, emphasizing its impact on democratic trust.
• BJP defended the governance’s decision citing inappropriate behavior by an elected representative but also urged action regarding a separate incident involving vandalizing symbols at Hazratbal shrine.
• Various political parties such as Congress, PDP, J&K Peoples Conference condemned the arrest.

Indian Opinion Analysis

This controversial arrest raises meaningful concerns about governance protocols in jammu & Kashmir-specifically concerning elected representatives’ treatment under stringent laws like PSA. While such measures are legally permissible for addressing public safety threats or provocations, there remains debate over whether using them in this context undermines democratic principles.

Given Mehraj Malik’s position as an elected official representing his constituency’s voice within legislative processes, his detention could fuel regional tensions already heightened by perceived administrative excesses. The protests across Chenab Valley-combined with restricted interaction services-reflect growing civil unrest that risks further aggravation if not managed carefully.

Across partisan lines in J&K politics there’s evident dissatisfaction with how events unfolded; this could prompt introspection regarding law enforcement practices when addressing issues related to political discourse versus potential provocation.

Read more: The Hindu