PDP’s Waheed Para Slams ‘Misuse’ of PSA, Calls It a Black Law That Must End

Srinagar, Sept 13: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) legislator from Pulwama, Waheed Para, on Saturday strongly criticized the continued use of the Public Safety Act (PSA) in Jammu and Kashmir, terming it a “black law” that has been consistently misused to suppress the voices of the people. Speaking to reporters in Pulwama, Para said the time had come for all political and institutional stakeholders to reconsider and debate the future of this controversial legislation seriously.

His remarks follow the detention of Aam Aadmi Party MLA from Doda, Mehraj Malik, under the PSA earlier this week. Malik, who also heads the AAP’s J&K unit, was arrested for allegedly disturbing public order and was lodged in Kathua jail, sparking widespread protests in Doda district. The protests, which turned violent, forced the administration to impose prohibitory restrictions and suspend internet services.

“The PSA has always been misused against the people of Jammu and Kashmir. There is strong resentment on the ground, and continuing with this law only deepens the trust deficit. All institutions should come forward to discuss and address their misuse,” Para said. He described Malik’s detention as “unfortunate” and a direct blow to democratic values.

Para recalled that during the recently held assembly elections, political parties campaigned on the promise of collectively working to end the PSA. “It is a pity that even after elections, we are not discussing the abolition of this law. Instead, it continues to be weaponized against elected representatives and ordinary citizens alike,” he said.

He further questioned the silence of the Assembly leadership, saying that while Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather issued a notification confirming Malik’s detention under PSA, he failed to issue any statement condemning such use of the law. “The Speaker is the custodian of legislators’ rights. If his office does not stand in defence of elected members, it sets a very dangerous precedent,” Para observed.

Highlighting the human cost of the law, Para said that thousands of young people are languishing in jails under PSA, often without charge or trial. “If politicians, especially those holding important positions, do not speak against the misuse of this law, then what is the meaning of public representation? We cannot remain silent spectators while the rights of our youth and fellow citizens are trampled upon,” he added.

On the show-cause notice issued to him by the Speaker over his social media post alleging that the Assembly Secretariat endorsed Malik’s detention, Para said he would respond to it and, if necessary, meet the Speaker personally to explain his position.

Calling for unity across party lines, the PDP leader urged political representatives, civil society, and institutions to openly debate and seek alternatives to PSA, warning that failure to do so would erode the credibility of democratic institutions in Jammu and Kashmir. “This law is not just a legal tool; it has become a symbol of political alienation. It must be addressed urgently if we truly want to restore faith in democracy and governance,” he said.