National Conference (NC) legislators Tanvir Sadiq and Hilal Akbar Lone on Thursday raised the issue of the detention of MLA Doda, Mehraj Malik, during the opening session of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, urging the government to ensure his immediate release.

The two lawmakers sought permission from the Speaker to initiate a discussion on Malik’s detention, arguing that an elected representative’s continued incarceration under the Public Safety Act (PSA) undermines the democratic process. “People of Doda have chosen their representative. He must be allowed to take part in the Assembly proceedings and raise the issues of his constituency,” the legislators demanded.However, Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather disallowed the discussion, stating that the session had commenced with the customary homage to members and prominent leaders who had passed away since the last sitting of the House. He directed the legislators to reserve their concerns for an appropriate time during the proceedings.

MLA Mehraj Malik, who represents Doda constituency, has been lodged in jail under the Public Safety Act. His detention has drawn criticism from opposition parties, who allege that such actions deny due representation to the people.

Speaking to reporters outside the Assembly, NC’s Chief Spokesperson Tanvir Sadiq reiterated the party’s demand for Malik’s unconditional release. “This is a question of democratic rights. An elected MLA cannot serve his people from behind bars,” Sadiq said.

Hilal Akbar Lone also termed the detention “undemocratic and unjustified,” adding that the government must uphold constitutional values by allowing every elected member to perform his duties.

The issue is expected to surface again when the House resumes political business later in the session.