Sajad Lone Slams PSA on MLA Mehraj Malik: A Blow to J&K’s Democracy

MLA Mehraj Malik under the Public Safety Act : In a shocking move, the Jammu and Kashmir administration detained Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Mehraj Malik under the stringent Public Safety Act (PSA) on September 8, 2025, in Doda district. This marks the first time a sitting MLA in J&K has been booked under the PSA, sparking outrage among political leaders. Peoples Conference President and MLA Handwara, Sajad Lone, led the criticism, calling the detention a “soulless” attack on the region’s democracy.

Mehraj Malik, the lone AAP MLA in Jammu and Kashmir, was arrested for allegedly disturbing public order in Doda. The Doda MLA, who won the 2024 assembly elections by defeating his BJP rival by over 4,538 votes, was shifted to Bhaderwah jail after his detention. The administration cited 18 FIRs and daily diary reports against him, including a recent incident where Malik livestreamed a protest on September 5, 2025, accusing Doda Deputy Commissioner Harvinder Singh of bias and using derogatory language.

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The PSA, a law allowing detention without trial for up to two years, was invoked to curb Malik’s activities, which officials claimed threatened public peace. A dossier prepared by the police highlighted his alleged interference in relief efforts during recent floods and landslides in Doda, as well as confrontations with officials.

Sajad Lone, a prominent voice in J&K politics, took to social media and public statements to denounce the use of PSA against Malik. “We strongly condemn the use of the PSA against MLA Mehraj Malik. This is a soulless democracy,” Lone said, emphasizing that such actions undermine the will of the people. He questioned the purpose of elections if elected representatives are silenced, stating, “What is the fun of having elections if an elected representative cannot voice his sentiments? A very sad day for an already endangered democracy.

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Lone’s remarks reflect growing concerns about the shrinking space for dissent in J&K, especially since the revocation of Article 370 in 2019. He warned that such measures deepen the crisis of credibility facing democratic institutions in the region.

Lone was not alone in his criticism. Other political leaders across J&K echoed his sentiments. PDP leader Waheed-ur-Rehman Para called the detention a “weaponisation of draconian laws to silence dissent,” urging that differences in a democracy should not be resolved through authoritarian measures. National Conference MLA Hilal Akbar Lone termed it a “blatant misuse of power and an affront to democracy.” AAP’s Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh also condemned the arrest, calling Malik a “resilient leader” who was raising his voice for a hospital in his area

The ruling National Conference and other opposition parties joined in, with many describing the detention as an attack on free speech and democratic values. The arrest, captured on camera as Malik was dragged into a police van, further fueled public anger.

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Mehraj Malik’s detention under the PSA is a significant moment in J&K’s political landscape. As the first sitting MLA to face such action, it raises questions about the freedom of elected representatives to speak out. Malik, known for his outspoken criticism of the administration, had been advocating for better facilities, like shifting a damaged health center in Thathri to a safer location.

His arrest has sparked debates about whether the PSA is being used to suppress dissent rather than maintain public order.The incident also highlights the challenges in J&K’s post-2019 political environment, where preventive detention laws like the PSA have been criticized as “lawless” by groups like Amnesty International. With elections meant to empower the people, actions like these risk alienating voters and weakening trust in democratic processes.

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Sajad Lone and other leaders have called for Malik’s release, urging the administration to respect the mandate of the people. The detention has led to protests in Doda, with locals demanding justice for their elected representative. As the controversy grows, many are watching how the government responds and whether this sets a precedent for handling political dissent in J&K.

For now, Sajad Lone’s strong words serve as a reminder of the need to protect democratic values. The people of Jammu and Kashmir deserve a system where their voices, through their elected leaders, are heard—not silenced.