The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Secretariat has clarified its stance on the arrest of AAP MLA Mehraj Malik, who was detained under the Public Safety Act (PSA). The Secretariat has stated that it did not endorse the PSA against the MLA representing Doda. Malik was taken into custody under stringent preventive measures. The MLA, who also serves as the president of the Aam Aadmi Party’s Jammu and Kashmir unit, was transferred to Kathua jail on Monday. In a statement, the Assembly Secretariat addressed reports in various media outlets and on social media platforms alleging its support for the application of the Public Safety Act 1978 on MLA Mehraj Malik. The Secretariat refuted these reports, describing them as completely false and unfounded, and asserted that it had no role in the MLA’s arrest. The statement further explained that the Secretariat fulfilled its duty by informing all MLAs about Malik’s arrest, as per Rule 260 of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly. Under Rule 260, the Secretariat is responsible for informing all MLAs of any information received. The information is read aloud in the House by the Speaker when the House is in session, or otherwise, it’s published in a bulletin for all MLAs. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal took to social media to condemn Malik’s arrest, questioning if advocating for hospitals for the people of his constituency was a crime that justified the MLA’s imprisonment. He stated that Malik would continue to fight for the rights of the public. Kejriwal stressed that such threats and imprisonment would not intimidate any party workers.
