Watch the video: JKUT assembly witnesses ruckus with Mehraj Malik confrontation with BJP & PDP MLAs
On April 9, 2025 the Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory (JKUT) assembly was the scene of a significant political confrontation. This event involved AAP MLA Mehraj Malik, BJP MLAs, and PDP leaders, triggered by Malik’s alleged derogatory remarks about Hindus and past comments on Mufti Mohammad Sayeed. The incident, part of a broader context of political tension, led to the assembly being adjourned for three hours, marking the third consecutive day of disruption.
Context and Background
The JKUT assembly, formerly a state legislature before the 2019 reorganization into a union territory, has been a focal point for political activity, especially following recent elections and legislative changes. The Waqf (Amendment) Act, recently passed in Parliament with 128 votes in favor and 95 against in the Rajya Sabha after a 17-hour debate, and earlier approved in the Lok Sabha after a 13-hour session, had become a contentious issue. The opposition, including the National Conference (NC), pushed for its discussion, but the Speaker, Abdul Rahim Lather, declined due to a legal challenge, adding to the volatile atmosphere. Mehraj Malik, an AAP MLA who won the Doda seat in the 2024 assembly elections, defeating BJP candidate Gajay Singh Rana by 4,538 votes, had emerged as a notable figure Continuously hinting at the Govt BJP & others by his remarks.
The confrontation began with Malik’s alleged remarks during media interactions, where he stated, “Hindus get drunk during festivals, during weddings, they’re addicted,” and reportedly said, “Hindu tilak laga ke paap karta hai,” translating to “Hindus wear tilak but commit sins.” These statements, reported by sources such as leading newspapers, provoked outrage among BJP MLAs. Vikram Randhawa, a prominent BJP MLA, denounced Malik, demanding strict action and invoking the Public Safety Act (PSA). Randhawa accused Malik of abusing Hindus and called for his suspension and a Narco test, citing multiple cases against him as a habitual offender.
The situation escalated into physical altercations, with videos circulating on social media showing BJP MLAs surrounding Malik and attempting to slap him, as reported by The Times of India. Glass tables were broken during the scuffle, and security personnel had to intervene, with marshalls escorting Malik into the adjourned House and locking out pursuing BJP and PDP MLAs, as noted by Business Standard.
PDP leaders, including Arif Amin, also clashed with Malik over his past comments on the late Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, with reports indicating a physical altercation turning violent. Malik, expressing frustration, criticized assembly security for allowing PDP workers into the complex and demanded police action against those who allegedly assaulted him, stating, “Whatever I said, I will not retreat from it. He (Sayeed) is a traitor for me,” to reporters.
Further, Malik had a heated exchange with PDP MLA Waheed Parra, accusing him of being a traitor and bringing the mafia, saying, “You have been a traitor… he has brought in the mafia. There are so many people outside. Who are these people?” as reported by The Times of India. Parra was later removed from the session for approaching the Speaker’s podium, adding to the day’s chaos.
Impact on Assembly Proceedings
The uproar led to the assembly being adjourned for three hours, marking the third consecutive day of disruption, as confirmed by multiple sources. The chaos was not isolated to this incident; other disputes included Sajjad Lone having a verbal dispute with NC MLAs, and Awami Ittehad Party leader Salman Khursheed accusing the NC-led government of stalling, demanding a 5-day session extension and questioning Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s absence for three days, as per Business Standard.
