Farooq Abdullah urges reconsideration of PSA against MLA Mehraj Malik, says detention unjustified

Srinagar, Sep 11: National Conference president Dr Farooq Abdullah on Thursday appealed to the government to reconsider its decision of detaining Doda MLA Mehraj Malik under the Public Safety Act (PSA), while also advising Malik to withdraw his remarks against the Deputy Commissioner Doda.

Speaking to reporters, Abdullah said that Malik’s misbehavior with the Deputy Commissioner Doda was regrettable and avoidable. “It is unfortunate that the MLA’s behaviour with the DC was not up to the mark. The situation would not have reached this critical point had he apologized at the right time,” he remarked.

At the same time, the NC chief maintained that invoking PSA against an elected representative was not justified. “Equally, it was wrong to detain him under the Public Safety Act. Doda is already grappling with floods, and now this episode has further engulfed the district,” Abdullah said.

He urged the government to review its decision and release the MLA, while also advising Mehraj Malik to take back his offensive words in the larger interest of his people. [KNT]