MLA Mehraj Malik’s detention: AAP MP Sanjay Singh ‘disallowed’ to register protest in Srinagar

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Thursday (September 11, 2025) alleged that a team led by Member of Parliament (MP) Sanjay Singh was ‘disallowed’ to step out from an official accommodation in Srinagar to register a protest over the detention of the party’s lone MLA Mehraj Malik from the Union Territory’s Doda district. Meanwhile, a sound of blast was reported in Doda and the case was being investigated.

Around 11 a.m., MP Singh and the AAP leaders, who had assembled at Circuit House, were ‘disallowed’ to step out by allegedly locking up the gates. The AAP leaders’ plea to talk to the senior police officials was also turned down.

Large assemblies banned in J&K’s Doda as protests over AAP MLA’s detention continue

“The police have set up a cordon. No reason is furnished as to why we have been stopped. Is holding a protest or a press conference a crime? We wanted to raise a voice against the illegal arrest. The extent of dictatorship is that even a Rajya Sabha MP is not being informed why he is he being stopped,” Mr. Singh said.  

The AAP was planning to address a press conference and hold a protest against the detention of AAP MLA Mehraj Malik, who was detained four days ago under stringent Public Safety Act (PSA) by the district administration. His detention followed a viral video where the MLA used unparliamentary language against the Deputy Commissioner over the pending dues of a local.

Mr. Malik’s father Shams Din said he had the support of Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and other parties but “was denied permission” to meet Jammu & Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha in Srinagar.   

AAP MLA Malik detained to ‘divert’ attention from Hazratbal incident: Mehbooba Mufti

“I appeal to all the parties, the L-G and Prime Minister Narendra Modi to ensure my son is released and the cases are withdrawn. He’s a poor man’s voice. His two-and-a-half-month-old baby is crying for him. This cruelty is unbearable. I apologise if he said anything wrong. I also appeal people to maintain calm and peace,” ailing Mr. Din said.

Meanwhile, Amit, an AAP leader from Doda, claimed dozens of locals were detained in police stations in Doda by the authorities. “If Mr. Malik was a threat to the public, why did thousands of people march on roads for him?” he said. 

The arrest of the MLA has sparked a chain of protests in Jammu & Kashmir. All political parties, except the BJP, have condemned the administration’s move to slap PSA and arrest the MLA, who has been shifted to far off jail in Kathua district. The district authorities have already imposed a ban on assembly of more than four individuals in Doda to curb the growing protests. Internet and mobile services also remain disrupted in Doda. These restrictions have impacted daily life in Doda, with shops and offices closed in many parts. A family claimed that their two-year-old baby died owing to curfew-like restrictions two days ago.

Arrested AAP MLA’s supporters stage protests in Doda, demand revocation of PSA

“Doda is in trouble. On one hand, it is grappling with floods, and on the other, with the fallout of MLA Mehraj Malik’s PSA detention. I do not condone the language of the MLA but detaining him under PSA was wrong too. It should be withdrawn. The MLA should also apologise for his words,” Jammu & Kashmir National Conference president Dr. Farooq Abdullah said.

Meanwhile, a suspected blast was reported from Doda district. Initial reports suggested that the blast was reported in the house of Javeed Ahmed and Muzaffar Ahmed in Dumri Mohallah, near Jamia Masjid Doda. “The police have reached the spot,” officials said.