PSA Against AAP MLA Mehraj Malik an Attack on Democracy, Says J&K Congress Chief Tariq Hameed Karra
JAMMU, Sept 10: Jammu and Kashmir Congress chief Tariq Hameed Karra on Wednesday strongly criticized the detention of Aam Aadmi Party legislator Mehraj Malik under the Public Safety Act (PSA), calling it a move that undermines the very spirit of democracy.
Speaking to reporters during his visit to flood-affected areas in the RS Pura border belt, Karra expressed concern over the government’s handling of the issue. “The imposition of PSA on a public representative is nothing short of a direct attack on democracy. Both sides should have exercised restraint and sought resolution through dialogue instead of confrontation,” he said.
Malik’s detention has triggered widespread protests in Doda district, prompting the administration to impose prohibitory restrictions and deploy additional security forces after clashes broke out between demonstrators and the police earlier this week. Several security personnel were injured in the violence.
Karra noted that while questions could be raised about Malik’s conduct, invoking the stringent PSA against an elected MLA was fundamentally unjust. “There are two aspects to the matter—both sides may claim they are right, and both may also be wrong. Perhaps the MLA’s attitude was not appropriate, but applying the PSA on an elected member is fundamentally wrong. It sends the wrong message about governance and democracy,” he remarked.
Describing the situation as a clash between bureaucracy and democracy, Karra warned against setting a precedent where administrative action overpowers political and democratic institutions. “At this moment, it feels like bureaucracy versus democracy. Elected representatives must be dealt with in the spirit of dialogue and mutual respect, not punitive laws meant to curb civil liberties,” he added.
During his visit to Badayal Brahmana and Gharana Wetland, Karra also met farmers whose crops were destroyed in recent heavy rains. He assured them that the Congress would raise their concerns and press for compensation to mitigate their losses.
Calling for a course correction, Karra urged the administration to review its approach and explore peaceful, democratic means of resolving such disputes. “Detaining elected representatives under draconian laws raises serious questions about our democratic principles. We appeal to the authorities to reconsider such measures and prioritize dialogue over confrontation,” he said.
