CM Omar Abdullah Vows to Repeal Public Safety Act Once Statehood Restored, Terms It a Priority for Elected Government
Srinagar, Oct 18: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday reiterated his government’s commitment to revoke the Public Safety Act (PSA), a law often criticized for its misuse, saying the move will be among his administration’s first actions once Jammu and Kashmir regains statehood.
Addressing reporters in Srinagar, Omar Abdullah said the PSA could only be repealed after the restoration of statehood since the Union Territory administration does not currently hold control over law and order matters. “To remove it (the PSA), we must first have the powers of a state government. Security and law and order must rest with an elected government. The day these powers are vested in us, I will not even wait for the Assembly session. We will remove this law through an ordinance,” the Chief Minister asserted.
He reminded the media that the promise to repeal the PSA was clearly stated in his party’s election manifesto last year, but it could not be implemented immediately due to constitutional limitations under the Union Territory framework. “When we released our manifesto, many journalists pointed out that some commitments could not be fulfilled as a Union Territory. We were clear and honest about it then, we cannot repeal laws that are not under our jurisdiction. But once statehood is restored, that will change. Our promise to remove the PSA remains firm,” he emphasized.
The Public Safety Act, enacted in 1978 originally to curb timber smuggling, has since been used against separatist leaders and individuals accused of activities deemed detrimental to public order. However, it has drawn widespread criticism from civil society groups and political parties alike, who view it as a draconian law that undermines democratic rights. The debate intensified recently after the detention of Aam Aadmi Party leader and sitting MLA from Doda, Mehraj Malik, under the PSA, prompting renewed calls for its repeal.
Omar Abdullah said the misuse of the PSA over the years had eroded public trust and harmed the image of governance in Jammu and Kashmir. “The PSA was meant for specific purposes, but it has been stretched and misused to stifle voices, including political dissent. It has gone far beyond its intended scope. Our government believes that maintaining law and order should never come at the cost of civil liberties and democratic values,” he remarked.
He argued that the restoration of statehood is essential to restore confidence in democratic governance and to empower the elected government to take policy decisions in tune with the people’s expectations. “Our objective is not only to repeal outdated or misused laws but to create a governance model based on accountability, justice, and respect for citizens’ rights. That is why we have been pressing for the immediate restoration of statehood,” Omar added.
The Chief Minister said that until Jammu and Kashmir regains its full statehood, his government will continue to advocate for policy reforms and push the Centre to expedite the process. “We want a system where decisions about our people are made by those elected by them. The restoration of statehood is not a privilege we ask for, it is a democratic right that was promised on the floor of Parliament and must be fulfilled,” he said.
