Srinagar, Oct 23: The opening day of the nine-day autumn session of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly witnessed a moment of dissent as legislators from the National Conference (NC) and Congress staged a silent protest inside the Assembly complex, demanding the release of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Mehraj Malik. The legislators gathered before the commencement of the proceedings, holding placards that read, “Respect the Vote, Respect the Voice, Free Mehraj Malik,” symbolizing what they called a collective stand for democratic integrity and the rights of elected representatives.
The protest was intended to remind the government of its constitutional duty to uphold the sanctity of the people’s mandate. Speaking to reporters, NC chief spokesperson Tanvir Sadiq said, “Mehraj Malik is an elected representative chosen by the people of Doda. Democracy’s greatest treasure is the vote, and it is deeply unfortunate that an elected leader is behind bars. We appeal for his immediate release so he can represent his people in the Assembly and fulfill his responsibilities.”
Sadiq reiterated that the protest was peaceful but necessary to send a clear message that detaining an elected legislator under the Public Safety Act (PSA) weakens the spirit of democracy. “We are holding a silent protest once again, joined by members of Congress and other opposition parties. This is not just about one MLA, it is about safeguarding democratic values,” he said. He added that the people of Doda deserve to have their representative present in the Assembly. “Our demand for the restoration of statehood is also tied to issues like this, where elected and innocent individuals should not be deprived of their rights to participate in democratic institutions,” he stated.
As soon as the Assembly session began, NC legislators Tanvir Sadiq and Hilal Akbar Lone raised the issue of Malik’s detention during the opening proceedings, urging the Government to ensure his immediate release. They sought permission from the Speaker to hold a discussion on the matter, arguing that the continued detention of an elected member not only affects governance but also undermines public faith in the democratic process.
However, Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather disallowed the discussion, stating that the first day of the session was reserved for paying tributes to deceased members and dignitaries, including former Governor Satya Pal Malik and other former legislators. The Speaker noted that discussions of a political nature could be taken up later during the session as per procedural norms.