'Slapping PSA on Malik will weaken faith in democracy': Omar Abdullah

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday questioned the decision to slap the Public Safety Act (PSA) against Aam Aadmi Party MLA from Doda Mehraj Malik, saying it weakens people's faith in democracy.

"What has he done that PSA was slapped against him. Why was he booked under such stringent law?" asked Abdullah.

The CM asked whether there was any law and order issue anywhere or stone pelting anywhere that the authorities slapped the PSA against the MLA.


"If MLA sahib has done anything wrong that could be corrected in the assembly under the guidance of speaker," said Abdullah.

Malik, who was detained on Monday for allegedly disturbing public order, is the first sitting J&K legislator to be charged under the PSA. The law authorises the administration to keep a person under preventive detention without trial.

Meanwhile, hundreds of people took out a protest march in Doda in support of Malik. A massive protest was held in Malik's home town of Malikpura and Kahara, where angry protestors clashed with the policemen.