Speaker disallows discussion on Malik’s detention
Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Oct 23: Before the start of the nine-day autumn session of the Legislative Assembly today, National Conference and Congress legislators staged a silent protest inside the Assembly complex, demanding the release of Aam Aadmi Party MLA Mehraj Malik.
The protest took place ahead of the commencement of the Assembly proceedings as legislators sought to draw attention to what they described as an assault on democratic values. The MLAs held placards reading “Respect the Vote, Respect the Voice, Free Mehraj Malik.”
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The protesting legislators said their demonstration was meant to remind the Government of its duty to uphold the sanctity of the people’s mandate and protect the rights of elected representatives.
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Speaking to reporters, National Conference chief spokesperson Tanvir Sadiq said, “Mehraj Malik is an elected representative of his people. The National Conference and all of us, his colleagues, want him to be released. People have chosen him, and the biggest treasure of this democracy is their vote. We appeal that Mehraj Malik be released as soon as possible so he can fulfill his responsibilities as an MLA. An elected candidate should never be arrested.”
Sadiq added, “We are again holding a silent protest, demanding that Mehraj Malik be released so he can come to the Assembly and speak for his people. All our colleagues from the National Conference, Congress, and other opposition parties support this demand.”
He further said, “Malik has been elected by the people of Doda, and they deserve to have their representative speak for them in the Assembly. Our demand for Statehood is also connected to such issues, that an elected and innocent person should not be arrested.”
As soon as the House proceedings began, NC legislators Tanvir Sadiq and Hilal Akbar Lone raised the issue of Malik’s detention during the opening session, urging the Government to ensure his immediate release. They sought permission from the Speaker to hold a discussion on the matter, arguing that the continued detention of an elected representative under the Public Safety Act (PSA) undermines the democratic process.
However, Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather disallowed the discussion, noting that the session had begun with the customary homage to members and leaders who had passed away since the last sitting.
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