MLA Mehraj Malik criticises Doda district administration for slapping PSA on political activists

STC NEWS DESK
DODA, APRIL 13 (STC): MLA from Doda, Mehraj Malik,in a 19-minute livestream has accused Doda District Magistrate Harvinder Singh of misusing administrative powers by invoking Public Safety Act (PSA) against individuals participating in civic protests. “Another PSA by DC Doda Harvinder Singh,” read the caption of the livestream.
The MLA referred to the inclusion of Mohd Rafi Sheikh’s participation in protests against the local lorry stand tendering process and sand mining issues in the official dossier as “shocking.”
“A common man can’t even raise his voice against government failures now,” Malik said during the broadcast. He alleged that BJP leaders, including Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma, were influencing district officials to target citizens involved in public demonstrations. Malik claimed the PSA was being used selectively against those who support his political movement.
The MLA expressed dismay at the administration’s handling of public grievances. “Only inaugurations and ribbon cuttings will not make your image positive,” he said, directly addressing the DC. “If you come from a poor background, you should understand the pain of the poor instead of suppressing them.”
Meanwhile, cross section of media reports state that the district authorities have not issued a formal response to Malik’s statements. (STC)