AAP MLA detained to 'divert' attention from Hazratbal incident: Mehbooba

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti on Wednesday said the detention of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Mehraj Malik under the stringent Public Safety Act (PSA) was an attempt to divert public attention from the recent Hazratbal plaque controversy that has triggered outrage in the Valley.

“The incident at Hazratbal, which led to the arrest of more than 50 people, deeply hurt the religious sentiments of the people. I believe that to divert attention from this, an MLA was made a scapegoat so that the focus could shift from this emotionally charged issue,” Mufti told reporters.

Malik, who also serves as the president of AAP's Jammu and Kashmir unit, was detained on Monday under the PSA for allegedly disturbing public order in Doda district. He was later lodged in Kathua district jail.

The plaque controversy erupted last week after protests broke out at the Hazratbal shrine in Srinagar. Devotees removed an inauguration plaque bearing the Ashoka emblem, which had been installed by Waqf Board Chairperson and BJP leader Darakhshan Andrabi.

Speaking to reporters at the PDP headquarters, the former J&K chief minister said, "Religious sentiments were hurt at Hazratbal. Instead of apologising and taking action against the Waqf Board and its chairperson, the authorities registered cases against people who expressed their anger over the desecration."

Mufti said slapping the PSA on Malik for allegedly using harsh or abusive language was excessive and appeared to be a distraction from the situation arising in the Valley.

"The MLA from Doda, Mehraj Malik, may have used strong language, but booking an elected representative under the PSA seems to be a tactic to divert attention from the unrest in Kashmir following the Hazratbal incident," she added.

Mufti also pointed out that Doda was struggling with the aftermath of recent heavy rainfall, yet the administration chose to detain the local MLA instead of focusing on relief efforts.

"This speaks volumes about the state of law enforcement in Jammu and Kashmir," she remarked.

The PDP chief urged the Lieutenant Governor to intervene and stop the crackdown on people linked to the Hazratbal incident. She also demanded the immediate release of the detained MLA.

"I appeal to the L-G to withdraw the FIRs related to the Hazratbal incident and release the MLA. He may have used harsh words, but imprisonment under the PSA is not a proportionate response," she said.

Mufti warned that suppressing freedom of expression would only worsen the situation.

“When you suppress people's voices, play with their emotions, and curtail their freedom of expression, it leads to instability. We've seen what happened in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and now Nepal. If similar suppression continues here—jailing people and silencing dissent—the situation will only deteriorate further,” she cautioned.

“I urge the L-G to take serious cognizance of the situation on the ground,” she stated.