Srinagar, Sept 8 (KDC): National Conference leader and MLA Sonawari, Hilal Akbar Lone, has strongly condemned the detention of Doda legislator Mehraj Malik under the Public Safety Act (PSA), terming it a blatant misuse of power and an affront to democracy.
In a Facebook post, Lone as per Kashmir Dot Com said it was “absolutely condemnable” to see an elected representative, chosen by the people as their voice, being subjected to what he called “administrative policing” through the “draconian” PSA.
“You have once again shown how blatant use of power diminishes the beauty of democracy. Such steps are taken not to protect democracy, but to serve your own ends. Imprisoning an elected representative under PSA doesn’t weaken legislators’ resolve—it only strengthens and shapes us into power so invincible,” Lone wrote.
He maintained that the issues for which Malik has been booked could have been “solved amicably” but instead, “oppressive tactics have been used to muzzle every voice that concerns the common man.”
Vowing to resist what he described as authoritarian measures, Lone added: “We won’t surrender, we won’t let your oppressive hands silence us. We will continue to speak for the people until justice is delivered and the beauty of democracy is restored.”
Malik, who is the State President of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in Jammu and Kashmir and represents Doda constituency in the Assembly, was booked under the PSA earlier this day. PSA dossier cited multiple FIRs, including allegations of obstructing officials and inciting youth, as grounds for his detention—making him the first legislator in J&K to face such action. (KDC)
