SAHIL BHAT
SEPT 9: A day after the arrest of MLA Mehraj Malik, political atmosphere turned tense with J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday coming in support of MLA Doda, citing any mistake by MLA Doda could have been addressed in the Assembly, however, Public Safety Act (PSA) wasn’t required.
While speaking to the reporters, CM Omar Abdullah said that if Malik had made a mistake, it could have been fixed in the Assembly under the supervision of the Speaker Rather, adding that PSA should not have been slapped on him.
CM Omar Abdullah added there is no law and order issue in Doda, no stone pelting, no riot, yet MLA was booked under PSA which is unconstitutional and undemocratic.
Highlighting the issue of Hazratbal Shrine, CM said, “People have been detained and questioned, and no action is being taken against those who played with religious sentiments and disrupted the atmosphere in Hazratbal.”
Pertinent to mention, MLA Doda Mehraj Malik has been booked under PSA considering all his activities which pose a grave threat to peace and public order in the district. Besides, MLA Malik, who used offensive language in a video on social media against Deputy Commissioner (DC) Doda Harvinder Singh, resulted in massive protests by employees against him.
Elaborating about the stands of political parties, J&K BJP President Sat Sharma has sternly denounced Malik, adding that it is important to give regards to everyone and avoid derogatory language against even a common person.
“In a country like India, it is important to give reverence to not only the officers but also common people,” Sharma targets Malik.
Widespread protests have erupted in Jammu, Doda and Kishtwar districts following MLA Mehraj Malik was arrested under PSA. The protestors vociferously agitating demanded the release of Malik at the earliest.
