Doda Protests Erupt After AAP MLA Mehraj Malik Arrested Under PSA
By: Javid Amin | 09 September 2025
The Arrest That Shook Doda
On September 7, 2025, Jammu & Kashmir witnessed an unprecedented political move: Mehraj Malik, the lone Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) legislator from Doda, was arrested under the Public Safety Act (PSA).
The PSA allows detention without trial for up to two years. By invoking it against an elected MLA, authorities have triggered a storm of protests, raising questions about democracy, dissent, and state power in Kashmir.
Malik is now the first sitting legislator in J&K history to be booked under PSA.
What Triggered the Arrest?
Authorities claim Malik:
-
Used unparliamentary language against Deputy Commissioner Harvinder Singh during a public meeting on unpaid dues to a villager
-
Posted provocative content on social media, glorifying slain Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani
-
Allegedly incited youth and threatened communal harmony through fiery speeches
The dossier brands him as a “habitual offender who thrives on provocation and political blackmail.”
Critics argue this is selective targeting, meant to crush dissenting voices against the administration.
Protests Ignite: “Doda Chalo” Movement
Within hours of the arrest, massive protests erupted in Doda and beyond:
-
Thousands joined the “Doda Chalo” march from Bhatyas to Doda town, chanting “Free Mehraj Malik”.
-
Stone-pelting broke out in Dunadi and Thathri Morh, forcing police to use tear gas and lathicharge.
-
Internet services were throttled to prevent “misinformation” from spreading.
-
In Bhalessa, Malik’s hometown, highways were blocked as villagers demanded his release.
-
Solidarity protests were held in Pulwama, Jammu city, and Kishtwar, making this more than just a Doda issue.
The movement now resembles a mini-uprising against state overreach, with comparisons being drawn to past PSA arrests of activists and separatists.
Political Reactions: United Opposition
The arrest has galvanized mainstream opposition parties:
-
Omar Abdullah (NC): “PSA is a discredited law. Using it against an elected MLA is not governance—it’s dictatorship.”
-
PDP: Called the move “blatant authoritarianism”, warning it could further alienate youth.
-
Congress & Peoples Conference: Slammed the arrest as an attack on democracy and elected representation.
-
AAP: Declared it a “political conspiracy” to silence their only voice in J&K, vowing continuous street protests.
Even neutral observers fear this may set a dangerous precedent—normalizing the use of PSA against political rivals.
Understanding the PSA: Why It’s Controversial
-
Enacted in 1978, originally to curb timber smuggling
-
Later expanded into a political weapon to detain separatists, activists, and stone-pelters
-
Allows detention without trial up to 2 years
-
Amnesty International calls it “a lawless law”
For decades, human rights groups have demanded its repeal. Now, with Malik’s arrest, even mainstream politics is under its shadow.
Doda: Why It Matters
Doda, in Chenab Valley, is often seen as a barometer of communal harmony between Hindus and Muslims. Malik, a young MLA with a fiery style, had been building grassroots influence, particularly among unemployed youth and marginalized farmers.
His arrest risks polarizing an already fragile region—something both administration and political rivals seem wary of.
Analysis: What’s at Stake?
-
Democracy on Trial
-
Arresting an MLA under PSA bypasses legislative immunity and undermines representative politics.
-
-
AAP’s Position in J&K
-
With Malik gone, AAP loses its only legislative presence in J&K. This could weaken its grassroots expansion plans.
-
-
Public Anger & Radicalization
-
Detentions often backfire in Kashmir, fuelling resentment instead of curbing unrest. Malik’s arrest could create a folk-hero narrative around him.
-
-
Precedent for Future
-
If a sitting MLA can be PSA-booked, no elected figure is safe from executive overreach.
-
The Road Ahead
-
Legal Battle: AAP is preparing to challenge the PSA order in the J&K High Court.
-
Protest Escalation: If Malik is not released, protests may intensify into a region-wide movement.
-
Political Fallout: With opposition united, the arrest could redefine alliances ahead of possible assembly elections.
Editorial Takeaway
The arrest of Mehraj Malik under PSA is more than a law-and-order issue—it’s a stress test for democracy in J&K.
When dissent crosses into provocation, governments have a right to act. But when laws meant for terrorists are used against elected lawmakers, the line between governance and authoritarianism begins to blur.
The streets of Doda are already sending a clear message: People may tolerate bad governance, but not the silencing of their representatives.
