Claims Kashmiris, Not Jammu Residents, Responsible for Destruction
Suhail Khan
Srinagar, April 12 : Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) legislator Mehraj Malik, representing Doda, made striking remarks asserting, “Even while being in power, we are not in power.”
In an interview with Kashmir Despatch, MLA Malik, while reflecting on the political climate in Jammu and Kashmir, emphasized that the current situation renders elected representatives effectively powerless.
Addressing recent controversies, Malik criticized former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti’s past statement that “only Modi can improve Jammu and Kashmir,” questioning, “Has she forgotten her own alliance with the BJP and her claims that 16-year-olds went to buy candy during unrest? Is she making tweets from afar to evoke Kashmiri sentiments while burying her own past?”
Malik controversially shifted the blame for the region’s challenges onto Kashmiri leadership, declaring, “Kashmiris are responsible for the destruction, not the people of Jammu.” He argued that since governments have historically been formed in Kashmir rather than Jammu, accountability lies with Kashmiri leaders. “The future of Jammu and Kashmir was shaped by Kashmir, and the resulting turmoil stems from there. Do not hold Jammu accountable,” he asserted.
The AAP MLA also blamed Kashmiri leadership for the abrogation of Article 370, alleging it was a consequence of their governance failures.
Assembly Scuffle and Protests
Earlier this week, Malik found himself in a physical altercation with PDP workers and BJP MLAs following the adjournment of the Legislative Assembly on its final session day. In response, AAP leaders and workers staged a protest outside the Jammu Press Club on Thursday, condemning the BJP and expressing solidarity with Malik.
Leading the demonstration, Malik accused the BJP and PDP of intimidation tactics. “They want to silence me for speaking truth to power, but I will not relent,” he told supporters.
Suhail Khan is a filmmaker, content writer, and freelance journalist.
