AAP J&K MLA Arrest: Opposition Slams PSA as ‘Undemocratic’, BJP Calls Him a Repeat Offender

Police arrested AAP J&K MLA Mehraj Malik under the Public Safety Act (PSA) on Monday and transferred him to Bhaderwah jail. Authorities accused Malik of disturbing public order, which immediately triggered a political storm across Jammu and Kashmir.

Reacting strongly, AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal posted on X:
“Is demanding a hospital for the people such a grave crime that an elected MLA has been thrown in jail for it? Mehraj Malik is a lion of the AAP. He will always fight as the voice of the people for their rights. Jail, threats, and conspiracies can never intimidate any soldier of AAP.”

Meanwhile, Manish Sisodia condemned the move and said, “This is the open dictatorship of the Modi-Shah government, blinded by its hunger for power. Those who raise the voice of the people’s rights are treated as a threat.”

Omar Abdullah, National Conference leader and former Chief Minister, criticized the PSA as a “discredited law.” He argued, “No justification exists for detaining Mehraj Malik under the PSA. He does not pose a threat to public safety. If the unelected government uses its powers against an elected representative like this, how can people of J&K continue to trust democracy?”

Opposition Leaders Slam PSA Misuse

Several political leaders across party lines condemned the government’s decision. NC MP Aga Ruhullah Mehdi said, “Invoking the PSA against MLA Mehraj Malik is unjustifiable. If an elected representative makes a mistake, authorities must question him and follow due process of law. The PSA, intended for exceptional cases of grave security threats, has been repeatedly misused in J&K. This misuse erodes public trust and turns a legal safeguard into an instrument of suppression. We strongly condemn Mehraj Malik’s abusive language, but this is not justice; it is repression.”

Similarly, PDP MLA Waheed Para stated, “I strongly condemn the use of the PSA against MLA Mehraj Malik. Such draconian laws are weaponized to silence political voices and crush dissent. Authoritarian measures cannot resolve differences in a democracy.”

People’s Conference president Sajad Lone questioned the credibility of elections under such conditions. He said, “We strongly condemn the PSA against Mehraj Malik. The will of the people of J&K remains subservient. What is the point of elections if an elected representative cannot voice his sentiments? This is a very sad day for an already endangered democracy.”

CPI(M) leader M Y Tarigami called the arrest “a draconian step.” He added, “Slapping the PSA on an elected member of the Assembly sets a dangerous precedent. Authorities must revoke this harsh and unjustified measure immediately.”

Independent MLA Advocate Shabir Ahmad Kullay described the arrest as “a direct assault on democratic values.” He said, “Disagreements in a democracy must be resolved through dialogue, not repression. Authorities must revoke this unjust action and uphold constitutional rights.”

BJP Defends PSA Action Against Mehraj Malik

In sharp contrast, the BJP welcomed the detention. Party spokesperson Parimoksh Seth said, “Fragile elements have entered politics and use abusive, unparliamentary language against the public and government officials. These elements damage the social fabric of the nation and hurt public sentiments.”

Seth labeled Malik a “habitual troublemaker” with a history of controversial acts, including allegedly misbehaving with a woman doctor in May. He also accused the Aam Aadmi Party of failing to take disciplinary action against him.

Sajid Yousuf Shah, BJP’s co-incharge for media in J&K, added, “I support the PSA action against Mehraj Malik, a repeat offender who crossed every line of decency—from abusing public officials to targeting communities. Politics has no place for such divisive elements. Being an MLA doesn’t give anyone the right to overrule the law.”