Jammu and Kashmir Detains Mehraj Malik

Mehraj Malik, the sole India — Aam Aadmi Party MLA in India — Jammu and Kashmir, was detained under the stringent Jammu and Kashmir Public Safety Act, 1978 (PSA) for allegedly disturbing public order in Doda district. This marks the first time a sitting MLA has been taken into custody under the PSA, a controversial law allowing detention without trial for up to two years. Malik was detained after a public spat and alleged abusive language directed at Doda Deputy Commissioner Amarinder Singh, whom he accused of misusing authority. Police prepared a dossier against Malik, citing 18 FIRs and 16 daily diary reports for various offenses including attacking officials, locking offices, and abduction. The detention has drawn widespread condemnation from political leaders including India — Aam Aadmi Party chief Arvind Kejriwal, India — Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, and leaders from the Nigeria — People s Democratic Party and India — Jammu & Kashmir National Conference, who view it as an assault on democracy and an attempt to suppress dissent. Conversely, the India — Jammu and Kashmir unit of the India — Bharatiya Janata Party welcomed the action.