In the wake of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Mehraj Malik’s detention under the Public Safety Act (PSA) on September 8, 2025, several trimmed video clips have circulated on social media, alleging that the Doda legislator made anti-national statements. One prominent claim suggests that Malik declared Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) is not a part of India. Critics and opponents have shared these clips widely, contributing to a heated political discourse. However, a closer examination by The Chenab Times reveals that the viral segment is misleadingly edited, distorting the original context of Malik’s speech.
Verdict: False. The clipped video removes key words, transforming a rhetorical question into a declarative statement. The full video shows Malik criticizing AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi during an AAP campaign event in Delhi, not endorsing separatist views.
The Viral Claim
The contentious clip, which has been shared across platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram, features Malik appearing to say, “Jammu Kashmir Hindustan ka hissa nahi hai” (Jammu and Kashmir is not a part of India). Posts amplifying this include allegations that Malik glorified militants like Burhan Wani and Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar in other videos. For instance, an X user shared a video on September 15, 2025, claiming Malik stated J&K is not part of India and admired terrorists. Similar posts from users like another user on September 13, 2025, labeled it a “shocking statement” insulting India’s sovereignty.
These clips have fueled backlash, including the decision by senior advocate Nirmal K. Kotwal to recuse himself from representing Malik in his PSA case. In a statement dated September 18, 2025, Kotwal cited the videos, noting they were not disclosed to him by Malik’s legal team. He described the alleged utterances as “extremely insensitive, irresponsible, and detrimental to the cause of national security, sovereignty, and integrity of India.” Kotwal emphasized his commitment to national interests, stating, “The unity and sovereignty of India are non-negotiable.”
Critics of Kotwal’s move argue that basing such decisions on unverified, trimmed videos undermines due process. Malik’s supporters, meanwhile, maintain that these are deliberate attempts to defame the MLA amid his rising popularity.
The Full Context
The Chenab Times reviewed the original, unedited video from an AAP campaign rally in Delhi during the assembly elections. In the speech, Malik was addressing a crowd and targeting Asaduddin Owaisi for what he perceived as inconsistent political priorities. Malik highlighted the plight of J&K’s youth amid ongoing violence and questioned Owaisi’s focus on contesting seats in Delhi instead of supporting Muslim-majority areas like J&K.
The full line in question is: “Kya, Jammu Kashmir Hindustan ka hissa nahi hai? Kya Jammu Kashmir ke naujawan is desh ke naujawan nahi hain?” (Is Jammu and Kashmir not a part of India? Are the youth of Jammu and Kashmir not the youth of this country?) Malik posed this as a rhetorical challenge to Owaisi, arguing that if Owaisi truly cared about Muslim issues, he should engage more directly in J&K rather than elsewhere.
By removing the interrogative “Kya” (meaning “Is” or “Whether”), the trimmed version flips the meaning from a question affirming J&K’s integration with India to a separatist assertion. The original video, available from reliable sources including AAP’s campaign archives, clearly shows this as part of a broader critique of political opportunism, not an endorsement of separatism.
Searches on platforms like YouTube yield related content, such as a video titled “Mehraj Malik ne Asaduddin Owaisi Sahab ke khilaaf Delhi election me bohat aanap shanap bola tha,” which aligns with this context and shows Malik’s full remarks during the Delhi campaign.
Broader Impact and Responses
Malik’s detention under the PSA—a law allowing preventive custody without trial for up to two years—has sparked widespread protests in Doda district. Demonstrations erupted immediately after his arrest, drawing massive crowds not limited to AAP supporters. Protesters from diverse political backgrounds, including the National Conference (NC) and Congress, rallied in solidarity, highlighting Malik’s cross-party appeal as a voice for local issues.
AAP leaders have condemned the detention as politically motivated, with party workers holding silent protests in Jammu as recently as September 18, 2025. In a press conference, AAP representatives accused opponents of using doctored videos to tarnish Malik’s image. Malik, who became AAP’s first MLA in J&K after winning the Doda seat, has a history of advocating for regional concerns, including healthcare and infrastructure, as seen in his assembly speeches.
News outlets reported on Kotwal’s recusal, noting the videos’ role in his decision. However, no independent verification of the other alleged clips (e.g., praising Burhan Wani or Masood Azhar) was found in mainstream reports, and Malik’s public record includes statements against terrorism, such as an Instagram reel from April 28, 2025, where he urged an end to violence in J&K.
Why This Matters
Misinformation through edited videos can exacerbate tensions in sensitive regions like J&K, influencing public opinion, legal proceedings, and political alliances. While Kotwal defended his recusal as a matter of conscience, it underscores the need for thorough fact-checking before acting on viral content.
The Chenab Times urges readers to verify sources and seek full contexts. Original videos of Malik’s speeches are accessible via AAP’s official channels and credible news archives. As the PSA case proceeds, with legal battles intensifying, this incident highlights the perils of digital manipulation in politics.
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