Arrest of Mehraj Malik, MLA Doda, A Deliberate Attempt to Silence Kashmiri Voices under the Shadow of PSA

The arrest of Mehraj Malik, the sitting MLA from Doda, under the Public Safety Act is a hard blow for Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu And Kashmir. A law meant for real security threats has been used to hold an elected man who raised long-pending civic issues and asked officers to serve his voters. Officials say he used rude words about the local Hindu administration, while his supporters say he spoke after months of neglect and bias in basic work. The step looks like a planned move to mute a public voice and to scare others who speak for rights.
• No Case For PSA: Kashmiri leaders say there is no sound reason to use this law on an MLA who raised people’s issues.
• Not A Safety Risk: He did not call for violence; jailing for speech without trial is plainly wrong.
• Elected Voice Targeted: The arrest seems aimed at stopping a representative who stood with his voters.

Detention Without Trial Of An Elected Member: A Dangerous Example

Jailing a serving MLA under the PSA lowers the bar for a harsh tool and sends a warning to all who speak for Kashmiri rights. When the state can lock up an elected member without trial, the space for debate shrinks and the bridge between people and the House breaks. This is not routine policing; it is a clear message that strong speech will face force. Such acts weaken democratic lines, deepen fear, and add fuel to public anger.
• Harsh Example: Using the PSA on an MLA turns a broad law into a tool to crush protest in politics.
• Democracy Weakened: If elected leaders can be jailed at will, rule looks like force, not the people’s will.
• Dissent Punished: The move fits a pattern in which Delhi treats criticism and protest as crime.

Public Anger And Street Protests In Doda

Soon after the arrest, large crowds in Doda raised slogans for the release of their MLA and condemned the use of the PSA. Residents say he pushed officers to repair roads, fix welfare lists, and ensure fair access to services, which is why they backed him at the polls and later as well. People see the detention as payback for raising civic pain and link it to a wider plan to cut Kashmiri voices through law and pressure. Anger is now openly directed at LG Manoj Sinha and at Delhi for turning a local dispute into a law-and-order scare.
• Mass Rallies: The protests show that many view the detention as a direct attack on their vote.
• Anger At LG Manoj Sinha: The PSA move has drawn sharp criticism of the local and central setup.
• Freedom Call Grows: Each arrest of a known leader makes the demand for freedom louder.

Words In Anger And The Right Legal Path

Supporters accept that Mehraj Malik may have used hard words in anger while speaking about the Hindu administration, which should not happen in public life. But the right answer in a democracy is a clear case in open court, not a jail order without trial based on secret files. The state had lawful tools, like a narrow FIR, a peace bond, or a court-led apology, yet it chose the toughest step. That choice looks like a warning to others rather than a fair way to settle a speech dispute.
• Wrong Reply To Speech: Even if the words were wrong, the reply should be a case, not detention without trial.
• Keep Action Balanced: Speech in a civic quarrel is not a grave security threat and must not be treated as one.
• Duty To Voters: Silencing an MLA also punishes the people who sent him to the House.

Rule After 2019 And The Hindutva Push

Since August 2019, Kashmir has seen shutdowns, long internet blocks, new rules on land and jobs, and many arrests that people read as a plan to rule by control. Local parties say the Modi government seeks to reshape the region under a Hindutva frame while cutting space for unions, media, and rights groups. Many residents believe what is sold as reform is in fact a settler drive that weakens identity and rights and opens doors for outsiders. Detaining an MLA under the PSA fits this track and tells people that power, not their will, guides policy.
• Trust Broken: People in IIOJK have lost faith in Indian promises and see each tough step as proof of bias.
• Focus On Gain, Not Rights: Many say Delhi aims to exploit land and labour while cutting local voice.
• Power Over People’s Will: The order looks less like democratic rule and more like rule by force.

PSA Claim Of Order Versus Basic Rights

The PSA is sold as a shield for public order, yet its broad words and secret files give very wide power to the administration. Orders may be signed on thin grounds and then renewed, turning weeks into months, so delay becomes the real punishment even when the case is weak. Courts do review such orders, but by the time a case is heard, the harm to family life and public standing is done and fear has spread. In a sensitive land, such use of the PSA draws more youth into protest because they feel there is no fair path to be heard.
• Vague And Secret: The PSA allows jailing on unclear grounds and keeps full reasons from public view.
• Delay As Pressure: Repeat orders and slow review keep people in jail without a tested case.
• Social Harm: Each arrest of a known figure chills society and shuts the door on normal complaint.

What Should Be Done Now

Kashmiris seek the right of self-determination from India so that, under United Nations resolutions, they can decide their future by their own free choice. India should give this right without delay, end raids and harsh steps, and stop abuse that hurts families and daily life across the valley and the hills. The government must respect international law and human rights, end the misuse of hard laws like the PSA, and open real space for peaceful and fair politics. India should free those held without a clear case, allow elected voices to speak in the House and on the street, and place every step under fast court review.
• Self-Determination Now: Let Kashmiris decide their future in line with UN resolutions and respect their free choice.
• Stop Repression, Respect Law: End misuse of the PSA, follow international law, and honour basic human rights.
• Free The MLA Or Charge In Court: Release Mehraj Malik if there is no clear case, or try him in open court without delay.

Conclusion: Defend The Vote, Protect Dissent, Restore Trust

The detention of Mehraj Malik under the PSA is a test of the kind of rule India is forcing on Kashmir. If the state can jail an elected member for strong speech and civic pressure, the message to citizens is that rights end where power begins. Order built on fear cannot last; peace built on justice can, and it starts with open cases, fair trials, and respect for the vote and the human person. Delhi should step back from easy detention, protect dissent, and show through law and dialogue that the people’s voice still matters in IIOJK.
• Guard The Vote: Rights must not be set aside by broad orders; fair trial and open debate are the proper path.
• Protect Dissent: End jailing without trial for political speech and listen to Kashmiri concerns.
• Build Trust Through Fair Law: Put every action under quick court review and real public check.