AAP Leader Mehraj Malik Becomes First Former J&K MLA Booked Under Draconian PSA

A seismic wave has rippled through the political landscape of Jammu and Kashmir, as Mehraj Malik, a prominent Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and former independent MLA, finds himself controversially booked under the stringent Public Safety Act (PSA). This unprecedented move marks him as the first former legislator in the region to face such severe action, igniting a fierce debate and drawing widespread condemnation from national political heavyweights, including Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and former J&K CM Omar Abdullah.

Hailing from Mendhar in Poonch district, Mehraj Malik possesses a significant history of political activism and dedicated public service.

He previously served as an independent MLA, a testament to his grassroots connection and influence. In 2022, he officially joined the Aam Aadmi Party, quickly ascending to become a pivotal figure within its J&K unit, championing the party's agenda and advocating for local issues. His detention under the PSA, a contentious law that empowers authorities to hold individuals without trial for up to two years, has immediately raised critical questions about the state of civil liberties and the space for political dissent within the Union Territory.

While the precise allegations leading to Malik's booking under the PSA remain officially shrouded in ambiguity, such detentions are typically justified on grounds of perceived threats to public order or national security.

However, a chorus of critics, both locally and nationally, has long argued that the PSA is frequently weaponized to silence opposition voices and quell legitimate political dissent, a concern that has been particularly pronounced regarding its application in Jammu and Kashmir.

The reaction from the political fraternity has been swift and emphatic.

Arvind Kejriwal, the national convenor of the AAP, voiced his strong condemnation, publicly questioning the legitimacy and implications of deploying such a draconian law against a recognized political leader. Echoing these concerns, Omar Abdullah, a veteran political figure from J&K, underscored the profound implications of Malik's detention for the health of democratic processes and the sanctity of individual freedoms in the region.

Supporters of Mehraj Malik and his party colleagues have vehemently called for his immediate release, asserting that his detention is politically motivated and represents a blatant attempt to stifle dissenting voices, especially in anticipation of potential upcoming elections in the region.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the intricate and often volatile political climate in Jammu and Kashmir, where the delicate balance between maintaining law and order and safeguarding fundamental civil liberties continues to be a source of persistent contention. Malik's booking is undeniably poised to intensify political discourse and heighten scrutiny over the administrative actions taken in the Union Territory.