J-K political leaders denounce PSA against MLA Doda Mehraj Malik

Srinagar, Sep 08: Political leaders of Jammu and Kashmir on Monday denounced slapping of PSA on elected representative from Doda Mehraj Malik, and said such “draconian laws” are weaponised to silence political voices.

J&K Peoples’ Conference (JKPC) chairman, Sajad Gani Lone, who is also an MLA Handwara expressed strong condemnation over the move.

In a post on X, Lone said: “We strongly condemn the use of the PSA against @MehrajMalikAAP This is a soulless democracy”.

He added that, “The will of the people of J and K continues to be subservient. What is the fun of having elections if an elected representative cannot voice his sentiments. A very sad day for an already endangered democracy”.

In a similar way, Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) MLA from Pulwama Waheed-ur-Rehman Para said such draconian laws are being used as a “weapon” to silent political voices and crush dissent.

He said such types of measures are no way to resolve difference in a democratic set up.

Taking to micro-blogging site X (formerly Twitter), PDP leader said: “Strongly condemn the use of PSA against MLA Mehraj Malik. Such draconian laws are weaponised to silence political voices & crush dissent. Such authoritarian measures are no way to resolve differences in a democracy”.

NC leader and MLA Hazratbal Salman Ali Sagar also condemned the move.

He said detaining an elected representative under “draconian laws” has set a dangerous precedent in Jammu and Kashmir after 2019, and urged authorities that free speech and political voice must be protected.

“Strongly condemn the use of PSA against MLA Doda @MehrajMalikAAP. Detaining elected representatives under draconian laws sets a dangerous precedent in J&K post-2019, stifling democracy and silencing dissent. Free speech and political voices must be protected, not suppressed,” NC leader said on X.

PDP leader and MLA Kupwara Mir Mohammad Fayaz also condemned the detention of MLA Doda Mehraj Malik under PSA. He termed it “unacceptable”.

He said on X: “I strongly condemn the slapping of PSA on MLA @MehrajMalikAAP . Silencing an elected representative in J&K through such draconian laws is unacceptable. Elected leaders in J&K must be heard not silenced by PSA”.