Doda, September 27 — Mehraj Malik, the Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) lone legislator from Doda East in Jammu and Kashmir, currently detained under the Public Safety Act (PSA) in Kathua Jail, has called for uninterrupted public development works in his constituency. In a message relayed through his personal assistant (PA) and posted on his official X account (@MehrajMalikAAP) on Saturday, Mr. Malik instructed his team to ensure that developmental projects continue seamlessly and that public grievances are addressed collaboratively with government departments.
The post, timestamped at approximately 6:30 p.m. IST, read: “Hon’ble MLA Told me Today to convey it to all the departments not to stop public developmental works in his absence and not let the public suffer. Our teams also must visit areas and resolve public issues with cooperation of deptts. #TeamMehraj.”
Mr. Malik, who made history as AAP’s first elected MLA in Jammu and Kashmir after securing a victory in the October 2024 Assembly elections, has been in custody since September 8, 2025, following his detention under the PSA for allegedly disturbing public order. The move, widely criticised by opposition parties as politically motivated, has sparked protests in Doda and Bhalessa, with supporters demanding his immediate release. The High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh admitted a habeas corpus petition challenging the detention order on September 24, with the next hearing scheduled for October 14.
The detention of Mr. Malik, a first-time legislator and the State president of AAP in Jammu and Kashmir, has drawn sharp criticism from political leaders, including Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who termed the use of the PSA against a sitting MLA as unjustified. AAP leaders, including Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh, have called for a special Assembly session to address the issue, while protests in Doda have led to clashes and additional detentions.
Legal proceedings continue to unfold, with Mr. Malik seeking to quash the PSA order and demanding ₹5 crore in compensation for what he alleges is an “arbitrary and motivated” detention. The case has amplified debates on the use of preventive detention laws in the Union Territory, with opposition parties accusing the administration of targeting political adversaries.
As the region awaits further developments, Mr. Malik’s appeal from behind bars signals his intent to remain engaged with his constituency’s needs, even under trying circumstances. His supporters, active on social media, continue to rally under the banner of #ReleaseMehrajMalik, framing his detention as a test of democratic principles in Jammu and Kashmir.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
