September 10, 2025

The political heat is rising in Jammu and Kashmir! On Wednesday, September 10, 2025, People's Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti fired a sharp criticism at the government for arresting Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Mehraj Malik. The MLA, who also heads the Jammu & Kashmir AAP unit, was detained on Monday, September 8, under a strict law called the Public Safety Act (PSA) for allegedly disturbing public order in Doda district. He was then sent to Kathua district jail. Speaking boldly to reporters at the PDP headquarters in Srinagar, Mehbooba Mufti said this move is a big distraction from a bigger problem – the Hazratbal emblem controversy. She explained, "Religious sentiments were hurt in Hazratbal. Instead of apologising and taking action against the Waqf board and its chairperson, they have registered a case against people who expressed their anger against the desecration." She admitted that Mehraj Malik may have "used harsh words or abusive language," but slammed the government for using the PSA against an elected representative. "To book an elected representative under the PSA seems to be a tactic to divert attention from the situation in Kashmir due to the Hazratbal incident," she said. The PDP chief further said the district of Doda was already struggling after heavy rains and instead of helping people, the administration focused on booking the MLA. "This speaks volumes about the enforcement of law in Jammu and Kashmir," she remarked. Mehbooba Mufti urged Lieutenant Governor (L-G) of Jammu and Kashmir to stop actions against those involved in the Hazratbal controversy and release Mehraj Malik immediately. She appealed, "It will be my appeal to the L-G to withdraw the FIR in the Hazratbal incident and also release MLA Doda. He might have used harsh language but PSA or jail is not the punishment for it." Warning of dangerous consequences, she added, "The situation will only become worse if the people's freedom of expression is snatched or their voice is suppressed. Look at the situation in Bangladesh, Sri Lanka or even Nepal now... see the situation obtaining in Doda. The L-G should take cognisance of the situation on ground and set right the atmosphere by withdrawing the FIR and releasing the MLA." The firebrand leader’s strong words highlight the growing political tensions linked to the sensitive Hazratbal emblem controversy, putting the spotlight on government actions in Jammu and Kashmir as September 2025 unfolds.

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Tags: Mehbooba mufti, Mehraj malik, Hazratbal controversy, Jammu and kashmir, Aap mla, Psa detention,