Uproar in assembly again over Malik's detention under PSA
Srinagar, Oct. 28 -- The incarceration of MLA Doda Mehraj Malik under Public Safety Act (PSA) rocked the Jammu and Kashmir assembly again on Monday with some members demanding formation of a committee to inquire whether the invocation of PSA by district magistrate on Malik was justified.
National Conference MLA from Banihal, Sajjad Shaheen, raised the issue of PSA on Mehraj Malik in the zero hour which was objected to by the Bharatiya Janata Party. Shaheen sought a one hour discussion on the issue. "MLA Doda Mehraj Malik is undergoing jail illegally and unconstitutionally under PSA. I want a debate in the house because today it is Mehraj Malik and tomorrow it will be any other MLA," he said.
However BJP MLA from Udhampur East RS Pathania said that invoking PSA on anybody was the prerogative of a deputy commissioner. "There is no role of government or any party," he said. Pathania's objection triggered ire of ruling party's and other members prompting bedlam in the house.
However Pathania was objected to by the NC MLA from Gurez Nazir Ahmad Khan (Gurezi). "If Malik had done any anti-national activity or militancy related activity, then nobody would have supported him in this House. But saying that the DC has the powers to book anybody under PSA, that won't be allowed," he said.
While addressing the speaker Abdul Rahim Rather,Gurezi sought the formation of a committee to look into the justifications of PSA on Malik.
Chief minister Omar Abdullah said, "Whatever Malik did, he didn't deserve a PSA. If he had cursed DC or an officer, that is no justification for a PSA."
Meanwhile, application of AAP MLA Mehraj Malik seeking permission to participate in the ongoing assembly session was adjourned on Monday by of J&K and Ladakh high court till October 30....
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