CM Omar Abdullah Meets Family of MLA Mehraj Malik, Calls PSA ‘Blatant Misuse’

SRINAGAR: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday reiterated his opposition to the detention of Doda MLA Mehraj Malik under the Public Safety Act (PSA), terming it a misuse of preventive detention powers.

According to the Office of the Chief Minister, Omar made the remarks after meeting the father and family members of Malik, who called on him today. “The Chief Minister reiterated that the use of PSA against the Hon’ble MLA is completely unjustified and a blatant misuse of the powers of preventive detention,” the CM’s office posted on X.

The remarks come amid growing political backlash across Jammu and Kashmir against the detention of Malik. Earlier, leaders including MP Aga Ruhullah Mehdi, Peoples Conference chief Sajad Lone, NC MLA Salman Sagar, and CPI(M) veteran MY Tarigami criticised the slapping of PSA on the sitting legislator, calling it undemocratic and draconian.

The controversy deepened this week after the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly Secretariat was accused of endorsing the PSA against Malik. The Secretariat, however, clarified that it had no role in the matter and had only circulated the detention order as per procedural rules.

Omar Abdullah has repeatedly said Malik’s detention was “wrong” and eroded public trust in democratic institutions. On Monday, he stated there was “no justification” for using PSA against an elected representative who posed no threat to public safety.

Malik was booked under PSA earlier this month on charges of activities deemed prejudicial to public order. Opposition parties have demanded his immediate release, warning that the move undermines the credibility of elections and further alienates the electorate in Jammu and Kashmir.