AAP raises alarm over ‘curbs’ on MLA Mehraj Malik’s Kashmir tour

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has alleged that its lone MLA in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly, Mehraj Malik, was stopped by police from proceeding towards the Kashmir Valley where he had planned a public outreach tour following his recent release from detention under the Public Safety Act (PSA).

The development triggered a political row, with AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal accusing the authorities of curbing the movement of an elected representative. Taking to X, Kejriwal said, “First you put Mehraj Malik in jail in a completely fabricated case. Since he returned from jail, people across the entire state have wanted to meet him. How can you stop him from traveling and meeting ordinary people?”

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AAP spokesman Muddasir Hassan alleged that Malik was stopped at Banihal and not allowed to travel to Kashmir because the “BJP and LG’s administration are afraid of the growing popularity of AAP in J&K. The action indicates political cowardice and murder of democracy”.

Malik, who represents Doda and is also the president of the AAP in Jammu and Kashmir, has alleged that the administration and police have also obstructed his proposed Kashmir outreach tour by withdrawing his security escort and denying permission for public meetings.

The MLA had recently announced a multi-district tour beginning from Thathri and Kishtwar and culminating in public interactions in Anantnag and Kulgam. According to Malik, the purpose of the tour was to meet people and listen to their grievances after his release from detention.

In a letter addressed to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on June 4, he sought restoration of his escort vehicle, claiming that its withdrawal had exposed him to security risks. He argued that Jammu and Kashmir continues to face security challenges and that protection was necessary for him to carry out his public duties and travel across the Union Territory.
Malik also expressed concern over what he described as a genuine threat perception, particularly in view of his planned visit to Kashmir. In social media posts, he claimed that despite applying for permissions nearly a month in advance, authorities were preventing him from travelling and holding public meetings. “I am a free citizen and attempts are being made to take away my freedom,” Malik wrote on X, while alleging that both the elected government in Jammu and Kashmir and the BJP-led Centre were restricting his movement.

In a separate letter to Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat dated June 6, he accused police officials of harassing him and his supporters at various checkpoints during his journey from Doda. He claimed that neither he nor his district-level party office-bearers had received any written communication rejecting permission for the proposed meetings.
Maintaining that his tour was aimed solely at interacting with people and hearing their concerns, the AAP leader said he had no intention of creating any law-and-order problem. He urged the police leadership to intervene and facilitate the smooth conduct of his programme.

As per the announced schedule, Malik was to address a gathering at Dak Bungalow Ground in Khanabal, Anantnag, on June 7 and another public meeting at Chawalgam in Kulgam on June 8.
The government has not publicly commented on Malik’s claims regarding denial of permissions, withdrawal of security cover and restrictions on travel.