‘Customary homage first’: Speaker bars discussion on MLA Mehraj Malik’s detention on Day 1 of JK assembly’s autumn session

Jammu: The Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly commenced its autumn session on Thursday, with lawmakers gearing up for a nine-day schedule likely to witness sharp discussions on governance issues, unmet electoral pledges, and the enduring demand for the restoration of statehood.

National Conference (NC) legislators Tanvir Sadiq and Hilal Akbar Lone raised the issue of the detention of MLA Doda, Mehraj Malik, during the opening session, urging the government to ensure his immediate release.

The two lawmakers sought permission from the Speaker to initiate a discussion on Malik’s detention, arguing that an elected representative’s continued incarceration under the Public Safety Act (PSA) undermines the democratic process. “People of Doda have chosen their representative. He must be allowed to take part in the Assembly proceedings and raise the issues of his constituency,” the legislators demanded.

However, Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather disallowed the discussion, stating that the session had commenced with the customary homage to members and prominent leaders who had passed away since the last sitting of the House. He directed the legislators to reserve their concerns for an appropriate time during the proceedings.

MLA Mehraj Malik, who represents Doda constituency, has been lodged in jail under the Public Safety Act. His detention has drawn criticism from opposition parties, who allege that such actions deny due representation to the people.

Speaking to reporters outside the Assembly, NC’s Chief Spokesperson Tanvir Sadiq reiterated the party’s demand for Malik’s unconditional release. “This is a question of democratic rights. An elected MLA cannot serve his people from behind bars,” Sadiq said.

Hilal Akbar Lone also termed the detention “undemocratic and unjustified,” adding that the government must uphold constitutional values by allowing every elected member to perform his duties.

The issue is expected to surface again when the House resumes political business later in the session.

NC legislators also held a silent protest outside the assembly, demanding the release of incarcerated Doda MLA Mehraj Malik, who has been booked under the Public Safety Act (PSA).

The protesting lawmakers and supporters assembled outside the Assembly complex, holding placards that read “Free Mehraj Malik” and “Restore Doda’s Representation.” They maintained silence for several minutes as a mark of protest before addressing the media.

Tanvir Sadiq said that the continued detention of Malik was unjustified and deprived the people of Doda of their rightful voice in the legislative assembly.

“We demand the unconditional release of Mehraj Malik. He has been elected by the people of Doda, and they deserve representation in the House. His detention under PSA is undemocratic and goes against the spirit of public mandate,” Sadiq told reporters.

The NC leader added that the party had repeatedly raised the issue with the government but received no satisfactory response. “If an elected representative is kept away from the House, it sends a wrong message about democracy in Jammu and Kashmir,” Sadiq remarked.

Mehraj Malik, a legislator from Doda, was arrested earlier this year and later booked under the Public Safety Act. His detention has sparked criticism from several quarters.

The National Conference said it would continue to press for Malik’s release until he is allowed to resume his duties as an elected representative. [KNT]