Srinagar, September 12, 2025 : Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader and Pulwama MLA Waheed-ur-Rehman Para on Friday stressed that the Speaker of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly must speak in defense of legislators to protect the dignity and sanctity of the institution of MLA.
Para’s remarks came in response to a show-cause notice issued by Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather on Wednesday. The notice was served over Para’s social media post where he alleged that the Assembly Secretariat had endorsed the detention of AAP MLA Mehraj Din Malik under the stringent Public Safety Act (PSA).
“If the Speaker’s office doesn’t defend an elected member, it sets a dangerous precedent,” Para said, emphasizing that the matter goes beyond individual concerns and pertains to the institution — “the last space left to represent Jammu and Kashmir’s citizens.”
He added, “Instead of faulting my concern, the Speaker should have supported it.”
Describing Speaker Rather as a “fatherly figure,” Para clarified that his criticism was not personal but aimed at upholding the institutional integrity of the Assembly.
“During Assembly sessions, I learned a lot from the way he conducted the House, upheld diversity, and accommodated multiple voices. But as the custodian of the Assembly, it is equally important to protect the legislators,” Para said.
Following the arrest of MLA Mehraj Malik on Monday, Para had posted on social media platform X:
“Shameful surrender. The Assembly Secretariat endorsing PSA against an elected MLA is a direct assault on democracy. J&K CM @OmarAbdullah must act, don’t allow the institution of MLA, the last agency of the people, to be silenced. Today it’s Mehraj, tomorrow it could be you.”
Taking cognizance of Para’s post, the Speaker directed him to explain his position in person or in writing within seven days, warning that failure to do so could lead to breach of privilege or contempt of the House proceedings.
The PDP MLA’s comments have fueled political debate in the Union Territory, highlighting the growing tensions between elected representatives and the administrative machinery following the arrest of Mehraj Malik under the controversial PSA.
