Srinagar, September 24 — Bharatiya Janata Party General Secretary (Organisation) for Jammu and Kashmir, Ashok Koul, stated on Tuesday that the law will take its own course in the detention of Aam Aadmi Party MLA Mehraj Malik under the Public Safety Act, emphasizing that no one is above the law, according to details received by The Chenab Times.
Speaking to reporters in Srinagar, Koul said, “Even National Conference president Dr Farooq Abdullah has himself admitted that what Mehraj Malik said against a government officer was wrong. So, what questions can the NC raise now? Law is doing its work and nobody is above it; be it the BJP or the NC,” as reported by news agency KNO. Malik, the lone AAP MLA from Doda and party unit president, was detained on September 8 by Doda Deputy Commissioner Harvinder Singh for allegedly disturbing public order, facing 18 FIRs including for threats against officials. He was shifted to Kathua jail following a dispute over a health centre relocation.
On the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, Koul noted assurances from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah in Parliament, adding, “The PM and HM have assured that the statehood will be given back very soon.”
Regarding recent flood damages, Koul said assessments by revenue, agriculture and horticulture departments are complete and will be sent to the Union government. “Home Minister Amit Shah has already released Rs 209 crore to the SDRF, and a comprehensive compensation package is expected very soon. Whosoever has suffered damages will be compensated.”
On the upcoming assembly session recommended from October 13, Koul urged consideration of Hindu festivals in scheduling, stating, “Many Hindu festivals are approaching, and the government must ensure that the assembly session is scheduled accordingly.” No further comments from opposition parties were available at the time of reporting.
The Chenab Times News Desk