Jammu/Srinagar, October 13 — Thousands of residents across Jammu and Kashmir participated in a candle-lighting initiative in support of detained Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) Mehraj Malik ahead of his Public Safety Act (PSA) hearing scheduled for October 14 at the J&K High Court.
The campaign, titled “Ek Candle Mehraj Malik Ke Naam” (One Candle in the Name of Mehraj Malik), saw widespread participation from members of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and numerous ordinary citizens, highlighting public engagement with the issue of PSA detentions.
Widespread Solidarity and Symbolic Acts
The initiative involved solemn gatherings across various towns and localities in the region. Many participants held placards calling for Malik’s release, while others delivered impromptu remarks on justice and democratic norms.
According to details received by The Chenab Times, a supporter in Kishtwar district stated, “We are here not just as party workers, but as citizens demanding justice.” This sentiment was reportedly shared broadly across the Chenab Valley and Kashmir region.
A video that gained traction on social media demonstrated the grassroots nature of the support. The clip featured a labourer working at the Kiru project in Kishtwar who, unable to find commercial candles, created a traditional Kashmiri lamp, or tchong, using a plastic bottle and oil. The labourer stated in the video, “I wanted this video to reach the judges and politicians. I hope it reminds them that people are waiting for Mehraj Malik’s release.”
The MLA’s father also participated in the campaign, alongside local public figures, including former BDC Kahara Fatima Farooq, and other civil society members.
Context: PSA Detention of MLA Mehraj Malik
Mehraj Malik, the AAP MLA from Doda, was detained under the Public Safety Act (PSA) on September 8, 2025. This marked the first instance of a sitting legislator being detained under the PSA in Jammu and Kashmir. The administration justified the action, alleging that Malik had disturbed public order, including a verbal altercation with the Doda Deputy Commissioner over the shifting of a primary health centre. The PSA allows for preventive detention without trial for up to two years in certain cases.
Reflection of Civic Engagement
Observers noted that the collective act of lighting lamps and candles serves as a motivation to the growing awareness among residents regarding the implications of PSA detentions and the demand for legal transparency. Streets across districts were reportedly dotted with soft glows, creating a visual expression of solidarity.
Political analysts suggested that such peaceful, public demonstrations emphasize the human dimension behind major legal and political decisions. The campaign highlighted a grassroots energy that transcended typical political affiliations, utilizing social media to amplify voices from remote districts to reach judicial and policy authorities.
As the High Court prepares to hear Malik’s plea on October 14, the candle-lighting effort stands as a substantial act of civic engagement and collective hope for the MLA’s release.
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Anzer Ayoob is the Founder and Chief Editor to The Chenab Times
