Under the PSA, an administrative law that permits detention without charge or trial for up to two years in certain circumstances, a sitting MLA has been placed under arrest for the first time.
On Tuesday (September 9, 2025), unrest erupted in some areas of Chenab Valley where members of the Aam Aadmi Party Supporting Doda MLA Mehraj Malik recently arrested under the Public Safety Act Blocked Doda Town and the MLA’s native Bhalessa.
Security personnel, as witnessed by several individuals, spent Tuesday (September 9) watching the only checkpoints into Doda Town as protesters began arriving. Instead, they say, followers of Mr. Malik braved the odds and succeeded, enjoying a protest and a barricade. Shouting rallies in support of Mr. Malik and poisoning the atmosphere with Vice Police Commissioner Harvinder Singh’s name, they erupted upon hearing the orders of the Sergeant, who was taking a cutting fence.
The Deputy Commissioner (DC), as was reported, who made the defense head relay a statement to the militant incharge in the rear, was reproached for crossing boundaries, berating him with claims of neglect. “The streets are watching. Our MLA had mortgaged his dignity to give the powerless a voice. This is Sham’s suburb that the poor police and the poor men in charge of the ruckmies.” Shouting “Freedom!” and roughhousing, the roisters collapsed the melee upon the officers.
Blocked Highway
The Highway from Thinni to Chenab Valley saw increased animations with hundreds pouring out from Mr. Malik’s hometown, Bhalessa, and unrest spreading across the Valley. Adhikari also confirmed on the Dehati and Silly protests saying, “The protesters tried to violate the boundary set up by police. That’s when the police had to resort to teargas and lathi charge to disperse them. Adhikari also claimed that cellphone coverage and the Internet were slowed down across the Valley after widespread unrest.
The residents of Kashmir also joined in to support the cause, holding protests in Pulwama. “Mr. Malik is unwell. He is in detention and cannot speak for himself. My concern is that the lieut- governor’s administration is using the PSA to attempt to silence him. Until the law is repealed, the administration will face protests from us. His detention is an attempt to silence democracy peakout with us.” Added AAP.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, the CM's poser, also questioned the administration's decision. "What did Mr. Malik do to warrant such a severe penalty? Did he cause any issues with law and order? The Assembly could have taken action if the MLA had committed any wrongdoing. According to Mr. Abdullah, "booking him under the PSA will undermine faith in democracy."
"Those who vitiated the atmosphere inside the Hazratbal shrine and played with sentiments remain untouched," Mr. Abdullah said in response to the recent incident at the shrine. Rather, innocent people are called in and interrogated.
However, the BJP defended the Doda administration's action. "Using derogatory language or treating others disrespectfully is completely unacceptable for anyone in a constitutional position," President of the BJP in Jammu and Kashmir
In addition, Mr. Sharma called for the perpetrators of Friday last week's vandalism of the National Emblem at the Hazratbal shrine to face consequences. Every citizen has an obligation to protect the Constitution and its emblems. Action against those responsible for this should undoubtedly be taken, Mr. Sharma stated.
The majority of political parties have denounced the action against the MLA, including the Congress, Peoples Democratic Party, J&K Peoples Conference, J&K Apni Party, and CPI(M).
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