NewKerala.com

NC MLAs Stage Silent Protest: Demand Release of Arrested AAP Lawmaker

National Conference MLAs staged a silent protest outside the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly demanding the release of AAP MLA Mehraj Malik. The lawmakers carried placards calling for Malik's freedom and restoration of Doda's representation in the House. Malik was arrested under the Public Safety Act for allegedly threatening peace and law in Doda district. The protest comes as the High Court directed authorities to ensure Malik can vote in Friday's Rajya Sabha elections.

Key Points: NC MLAs Protest Mehraj Malik Detention Outside J&K Assembly

  • NC MLAs staged silent protest with placards before Assembly session
  • Mehraj Malik arrested under PSA for alleged threat to peace in Doda
  • High Court directed authorities to allow Malik's Rajya Sabha vote
  • Party claims detention deprives Doda residents of democratic representation
2 min read

NC MLAs stage protest outside J&K Assembly demanding release of AAP's Mehraj Malik

National Conference MLAs stage silent protest demanding release of AAP's Mehraj Malik, arrested under PSA, calling detention undemocratic ahead of Rajya Sabha polls.

"If an elected representative is kept away from the House, it sends a wrong message about democracy in Jammu and Kashmir - Tanvir Sadiq, NC Chief Spokesperson"

Srinagar, Oct 23

The National Conference (NC) MLAs on Thursday staged a silent protest outside the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly, demanding the release of arrested Doda MLA, Mehraj Malik.

Before entering the Assembly to attend the autumn session, the NC MLAs staged a silent protest, demanding the release of the AAP MLA. Malik was arrested under the Public Safety Act (PSA) for allegedly posing a threat to peace and law and order in Doda district.

The protesting MLAs carried placards saying ‘Free Mehraj Malik’, ‘Restore Doda’s Representation’. They maintained silence for several minutes as a mark of protest before addressing the media.

NC’s Chief Spokesperson, Tanvir Sadiq, said that the continued detention of Malik was unjustified and deprived the people of Doda of their rightful voice in the Legislative Assembly. “We demand the unconditional release of Mehraj Malik. He has been elected by the people of Doda, and they deserve representation in the House. His detention under PSA is undemocratic and goes against the spirit of public mandate”, the spokesperson said.

The NC leader added that the party had repeatedly raised the issue with the government but received no satisfactory response.

“If an elected representative is kept away from the House, it sends a wrong message about democracy in Jammu and Kashmir,” he added.

In its latest directive, the J&K and Ladakh High Court directed the authorities to ensure that Mehraj Malik was permitted to vote for the Rajya Sabha elections being held on Friday. Authorities later said the MLA would be provided a postal ballot to cast his vote in the Rajya Sabha polls.

Voting for four Rajya Sabha seats is being held here on Friday. All elected MLAs are eligible to cast their vote in this election. The NC has fielded four candidates for these seats while the BJP has fielded three, including the party’s J&K president, Sat Sharma.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priya S
While I support democratic rights, let's not forget that PSA is used only when there's credible threat to law and order. The authorities must have valid reasons for the detention. We should trust the judicial process.
A
Arjun K
Good to see NC standing up for democratic principles! Political parties should unite when it comes to protecting democratic rights, regardless of party affiliations. The High Court's intervention shows the system works. 👍
S
Sarah B
As someone who has worked in J&K development projects, I've seen how important local representation is. Doda district needs its voice in the Assembly, especially for development funds and schemes. Hope this gets resolved soon.
M
Michael C
The timing with Rajya Sabha elections is interesting. At least the court ensured he can vote via postal ballot. But the larger question remains - should elected representatives be detained without trial for extended periods?
K
Kavya N
Both sides need to be heard properly. If the MLA is genuinely a threat, authorities should present evidence. If not, he should be released immediately. The people of Doda are suffering the most in this situation. 😔

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50