Srinagar, Sept 13 (KNS): Showkat Mir, Provincial President of the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC), said that the detention of Doda MLA Mehraj Malik under the Public Safety Act (PSA) was unfortunate and unconstitutional. Speaking to KNS, Mir said the Omar Abdullah government had revoked the PSA, indicating the action should not have been taken.

“Mehraj Malik is a legislator, but he misbehaved with the Deputy Commissioner, which is unfortunate. Slapping him under the Public Safety Act is unconstitutional and should not have happened,” Mir said.

He explained that the provisions of criminal procedure could have been invoked instead. “Jurisdiction of bail is with the executive magistrate.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelThe government could have followed proper legal channels without invoking the PSA,” he added.

On law and order, Mir said authorities must maintain stability without penalizing elected representatives arbitrarily. “District magistrates or governor have the authority to apprehend individuals if law and order are at risk. Proper legal norms must be followed,” he said.

On ending the PSA, Mir said, “When statehood is restored, the PSA can be ended by the local government. Until J&K remains a Union Territory, the PSA will remain intact, as the Center holds security powers.”(KNS).