Arrested AAP MLA’s supporters stage protests in Doda, demand revocation of PSA

Street protests broke out in parts of the Chenab Valley on Tuesday (September 9, 2025) as supporters of Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) Doda MLA, Mehraj Malik, arrested under the Public Safety Act (PSA) a day ago, marched in Doda town and Bhalessa, the hometown of Mr. Malik.

Officials said most entry points of Doda town were barricaded by the security forces since Tuesday(September 9) morning in anticipation of likely protests. However, supporters of Mr. Malik used unconventional routes to reach Doda town and held a street demonstration. They raised slogans in favour of Mr. Malik and against Deputy Commissioner (DC), Harvinder Singh, who on Monday forwarded a communique to the Speaker, Jammu and Kashmir Assembly, about the MLA’s detention under the PSA. 

The MLA ‘s arrest came a day after he used unparliamentary language against the DC over pending dues to a local. “We want justice for our MLA. Mr. Malik is a poor man’s voice. After we voted for him, the MLA became our voice. We should be allowed to march towards the Deputy Commissioner’s office,” a pro-Malik protester said at the Doda town square. The police used force to chase the protesters.

Highway blocked

Protests spread to other pockets of the Chenab Valley. Hundreds of locals took to streets in Bhalessa, Mr. Malik’s hometown. Officials said the protesters blocked a highway. Police used teargas shells to disperse the protesters. Meanwhile, locals alleged that Internet and calling services were slowed down in the Chenab valley after the spread of protests.

Mr. Malik could face up to two years of jail under the stringent PSA. According to the PSA dossier, the elected representative misused his position by “glorifying militant Burhan Wani, urging followers to act as lashkars, calling upon people to burn government offices, and even promoting the use of chitta (heroin) as a way to enhance intelligence, among others.” The dossier claimed that the MLA was “a history-sheeter of Gandoh police station,” and a “habitual offender who believes himself to be above the law”. 

Meanwhile, in the Kashmir Valley, supporters held a protest in Pulwama. “Mr. Malik is not in good health. The Lieutenant Governor’s administration should not use such draconian laws like PSA to silence the poor man’s voice. Our protests will not stop until the PSA is not withdrawn. His arrest is an attack on democracy,” said AAP spokesperson Muddasir Hassan.

CM’s poser

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also questioned the administration’s move. “What Mr. Malik did to attract such a harsh law? Did he create any law and order problem? If the MLA had done anything wrong, the Assembly could have acted on it. To book him under the PSA will erode faith in democracy,” Mr. Abdullah said.

Commenting on the recent incident at the Hazratbal shrine, Mr. Abdullah said, “Those who vitiated the atmosphere inside the Hazratbal shrine and played with sentiments remain untouched. Instead, innocent people are summoned and questioned.”  

The BJP, however, defended the move of the Doda administration. “It is absolutely unacceptable for anyone holding a constitutional position to use abusive language or show disrespect toward others,” BJP Jammu and Kashmir president Sat Sharma said.

Mr. Sharma also demanded action against those involved in the vandalising of the National Emblem at the Hazratbal shrine on Friday last week. “It is the duty of every citizen to safeguard the Constitution and its symbols. There should definitely be action against those who did this,” Mr. Sharma said.

Most political parties, including Peoples Democratic Party, J&K Peoples Conference, J&K Apni Party, CPI(M) and the Congress, have condemned the action against the MLA.