Mehraj Malik says political space shrinking, urges youth to join him in seeking change

Jammu, Apr 28: After his release from Kathua jail on Tuesday, AAP MLA Mehraj Malik rued the entanglement of politics with the slapping of legal cases, but asserted that no change is possible without political engagement.

He further vowed to continue his struggle for public welfare unabated and asserted that it is driven by thoughts rather than politics.

The legislator’s release follows the quashing of his detention under the Public Safety Act (PSA) by the Jammu and Kashmir High Court.

Malik emphasised the need to rise above religious divisions and focus on humanity, asserting that his political struggle is aimed at reform and public welfare in Jammu and Kashmir.

“Our struggle will continue. It will not change. It is not a struggle based on politics but on thoughts and the drive for people’s welfare,” Malik told reporters here.

Referring to his recent imprisonment, the MLA said he had gone to jail while fighting for the rights of the people. “I went to jail for this struggle. It was for the people, and it will continue,” he added.

Calling for greater participation of young people in public life, Malik urged youth to step into politics. “I am alone right now. I want youth to join politics. Only politics can change the fate of the people and this country,” he said.

He further said he has consistently raised issues concerning the public and will continue to do so. “I have been highlighting people’s issues and speaking for them. I will continue to raise their voice,” Malik said, adding that his focus remains on working towards welfare-oriented change through democratic means.

Responding to questions, Malik said he has always been committed to serving people.”Working for humanity is both my passion and my duty. Every religion teaches us to serve humanity, and people must move away from politics based on religion,” he said.

The MLA further said governance and performance should be judged on the basis of work rather than religious identity. “If an official or administrator performs well, people appreciate them irrespective of religion. A person’s identity is defined by their character, not their faith,” he added.

Malik alleged that cases were filed against him to divert attention and hinder his reform efforts. “We did not enter politics to fight legal cases, but to bring improvement. However, being entangled in such cases has become part of the system,” he said.

Apologising to his supporters for the hardships they faced during his imprisonment, Malik said that struggle is inevitable for change. “Many people feel that if I had acted differently, I wouldn’t have gone to jail. If not today, then someone else would have to raise their voice in the future,” he said.

He maintained that time will ultimately reveal the truth, adding that democracy provides space for people to judge right and wrong.

Reaffirming his commitment, Malik said his purpose remains unchanged even after his release. “Our intentions were right then and remain the same now. This is about understanding society and working for its betterment,” he noted.

The MLA also urged people to remain patient and assured that he would soon resume public outreach after consulting his team. “There is no need for haste; we will plan properly and engage with people across the region,” he said.

Refering to government employees and officials, Malik clarified that he holds no personal grudges and stressed the need for empathy in governance, urging authorities to act in the interest of the people.

Malik said that despite campaigns like “drug-free initiatives,” the real issue affecting the youth is unemployment.

The MLA said that he had hoped for reforms after entering the assembly but found a lack of concrete policies among those in power. “If those making policies themselves lack vision, how will society progress?” he questioned.

Malik also called on the “educated and capable” sections of society to step out and contribute to public life. “When a common man tries to enter politics and work for the people, he is often sidelined or labelled. This mindset needs to change,” he said.

Referring to his eight-month jail term, Malik claimed that no significant improvements had taken place in governance, education, or public institutions during that period. “You can imprison a person, but not his thoughts. This is a fight for humanity and justice,” he asserted.

He further alleged that political space is shrinking, claiming that those raising their voice against the ruling establishment face difficulties. “It has become difficult to speak openly, but without political engagement, no real change is possible.”

Malik said that major global developments are driven by political decisions. “Politics runs the world, and meaningful change can only come through active participation in it,” he said.