Assembly Secretariat Denies Involvement in AAP MLA’s PSA Detention in J&K

The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Secretariat has distanced itself from the detention of AAP MLA Mehraj Malik under the Public Safety Act (PSA). The Secretariat clarified that it did not endorse the PSA application against the MLA from Doda, who has been taken into custody under strict preventive measures. Malik, also the head of the Aam Aadmi Party in Jammu and Kashmir, was moved to Kathua jail on Monday. In an official statement, the Assembly Secretariat addressed media reports and social media posts suggesting its support for the imposition of the Public Safety Act 1978 on MLA Mehraj Malik. The Secretariat firmly denied these claims, deeming them entirely false and without basis. It clarified that it had no involvement in the MLA’s arrest. The statement highlighted that the Secretariat fulfilled its obligation by informing all MLAs about Malik’s arrest, in accordance with Rule 260 of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly. Rule 260 stipulates that the Secretariat must inform all legislators of any information received. This information is read out in the House by the Speaker if the Assembly is in session, and otherwise, it is published in a bulletin. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal took to social media to criticize Malik’s arrest. He questioned if advocating for hospitals for the people of his area was such a grave act that it warranted the MLA’s imprisonment, and he added that Malik would continue fighting for the rights of the public. Kejriwal emphasized that such tactics would not frighten any party member.