In what can be seen as a fresh political flashpoint in J&K, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has strongly criticised detention of Independent MLA Mehraj Malik under the Public Safety Act (PSA). The decision has triggered widespread protests in Doda and the Chenab Valley, and also drawn sharp criticism from various political quarters.
Reacting strongly, Omar Abdullah said that slapping PSA on a sitting legislator raises serious questions about the government’s approach towards democratic institutions. He stressed that Mehraj Malik is not a threat to peace and that any differences regarding his conduct or statements should have been dealt with through democratic and constitutional means. “Issues concerning an elected representative should be debated and rectified inside the Assembly, not silenced through harsh laws like PSA,” Abdullah remarked.
His statement has found resonance among Malik’s supporters, who have been staging demonstrations in Doda. As per sources, large groups of protesters clashed with police while demanding the MLA’s release. The Station House Officer of the area was injured in the clashes and later shifted to GMC Doda for treatment.
Political observers note that Abdullah’s comments reflect a growing concern that stringent measures against elected representatives could erode democratic norms in Jammu & Kashmir. The former Chief Minister reminded the administration that democracy thrives on debate, dissent, and resolution through dialogue rather than detentions.
The Doda district witnessed massive protests on Tuesday after authorities invoked the Public Safety Act (PSA) against Independent MLA Mehraj Malik. The move triggered widespread anger among his supporters, who took to the streets demanding his immediate release.Hundreds of protesters assembled in different parts of the district and tried to march towards key locations. When police attempted to stop them, the situation turned tense and a scuffle broke out. Protesters allegedly attacked the Station House Officer (SHO) of the area. The officer sustained injuries and, as per officials, was shifted to Government Medical College (GMC) Doda for treatment.
It was reported that large groups of protesters later reached Kahra village, considered a stronghold of Malik, and raised slogans in his favour. Eyewitnesses said the number of people gathering in the area kept swelling as supporters from nearby villages joined the demonstrations.Additional police and paramilitary personnel have been rushed to sensitive areas to maintain law and order. Senior officers are keeping a close watch on the ground situation, while repeated appeals for calm have been made.
The authorities, however, maintain that the decision was taken on security grounds. The situation continues to remain tense as protesters demand his unconditional release.
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