Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Sept 9: CPI(M) leader and MLA Kulgam M.Y. Tarigami today strongly condemned the detention of Doda MLA Mehraj Malik under the Public Safety Act (PSA), saying the law has been endlessly misused in Jammu and Kashmir.
Speaking to reporters, Tarigami said, “As far as the application of the Public Safety Act against a legislator is concerned, I think our society as a whole, including political parties, has condemned it. We, CPI(M), have unanimously expressed our opinion that it was inappropriate and unfortunate on behalf of the administration to apply the PSA.”
He described the PSA as “draconian” and said, “No democratic society can support such laws. In Kashmir, it has been used incessantly. It was wrong. I was also a target of this law in the 1970s and 1980s, and many others, not just me, with different points of view, are still affected. Even media persons have been jailed under this act.”
Tarigami added, “the PSA has no legal basis. It has nothing to do with democracy. What is even more surprising today is that a public figure has been arrested under this law. This is sad.”
Addressing the legislative context, he said, “the Speaker has not stated that the administration sought his permission or advice. There is no justification for detaining any other legislator, irrespective of party affiliation. Issuing an arrest warrant under the PSA is unnecessary and wrong.”
He also called for broader opposition to draconian laws like the UAPA, adding, “Many people are arrested under it. Even the High Court of Delhi, regarding a peaceful protest by a social worker, did not accept the case. This is not justice. Any accused person must have the opportunity to defend themselves.”
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