Doda
Political leaders in Jammu and Kashmir have strongly criticised the imposition of the Public Safety Act (PSA) against Mehraj Malik, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) legislator from Doda. The move has triggered sharp political reactions, with opposition parties terming it an attempt to silence dissent and weaken democratic processes in the Union Territory.
Details of the case
Malik’s close associate, Mohd Rafi Sheikh, was detained under the PSA recently following protests linked to sand mining and local administrative issues. According to Malik, the arrest was a direct result of political pressure exerted on district officials by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He alleged that the detention was carried out to intimidate his supporters and restrict his activities as a legislator.
Political reactions
Several parties, including regional outfits, condemned the move, stressing that preventive detention laws like the PSA should not be misused for political ends. Malik himself accused the Deputy Commissioner of Doda of acting under partisan influence. He asserted that the administration’s action reflected the shrinking democratic space in Jammu and Kashmir, where, according to him, even elected representatives face curbs on their rights.
Leaders pointed out that the PSA, designed for maintaining public order and security, was being increasingly invoked against political activists. They argued that such measures not only damage the credibility of democratic institutions but also deepen public mistrust in governance.
Wider implications
The controversy comes at a time when the political climate in Jammu and Kashmir is already tense, with parties calling for restoration of statehood and greater political freedoms. The detention of a legislator’s supporter under the PSA has raised questions about the scope of political participation and accountability in the region.
Civil society groups have also expressed concern that the law, which allows detention without trial for extended periods, is being used excessively. They warned that repeated reliance on such legislation risks alienating communities and stifling peaceful dissent.
Conclusion
The PSA action against Mehraj Malik’s aide has sparked an intense political debate in Jammu and Kashmir. While the administration has maintained that the detention was necessary to maintain order, opposition voices continue to demand a review of the law’s application. The episode is likely to fuel further polarisation and calls for reforms in the region’s governance framework.