Jammu and Kashmir's AAP MLA Mehraj Malik Arrested

Mehraj Malik, an Aam Aadmi Party MLA from Jammu and Kashmir, was detained under the Public Safety Act (PSA) on Monday. This marks the first instance of a sitting MLA being arrested under this law, which allows detention without trial for up to two years. The arrest followed allegations of Malik disturbing public order in Doda district.

The incident occurred after Malik allegedly made offensive remarks against Doda's Deputy Commissioner, Harvinder Singh. The PSA was invoked by the Deputy Commissioner based on a police dossier. In a video, Malik expressed anger over unpaid rent to a villager by the health department, using abusive language towards Singh.

Political Reactions and Criticism

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah criticised Malik's arrest as an abuse of power by the unelected government against elected officials. He questioned how people could maintain faith in democracy if such actions were taken against representatives. "There is no justification for detaining Mehraj Malik under the PSA," Abdullah stated on X.

The District Magistrate of Doda justified Malik's detention as necessary for maintaining public order and law in the region. A letter to J&K Assembly Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather detailed that Malik's activities threatened peace and tranquillity in the district.

Support and Opposition

The BJP's Jammu and Kashmir unit supported Malik's detention, citing his use of abusive language against public figures. They claimed some politicians engage in such behaviour against both officials and the public. Meanwhile, opposition parties like PDP, Peoples Conference, and CPI(M) condemned the arrest as an attack on democracy.

Malik has been known for controversial statements. His recent actions led to protests by government employees supporting the deputy commissioner. These employees accused him of being a habitual troublemaker who provokes others against officials.