Budgam: Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary on Thursday said that while the remarks made by MLS Mehraj Malik were “unacceptable” and “inappropriate,” the decision to book him under the Public Safety Act (PSA) was unwarranted.
Speaking to reporters during his visit to Budgam, Choudhary said that democratic processes allow for disagreements and debates, and that the use of preventive detention laws should not become a substitute for dialogue and tolerance.
“Yes, the language was inappropriate and should be condemned, but PSA is not the solution. Democratic processes allow space for disagreement,” Choudhary told reporters, cautioning against measures that could further alienate political voices in Jammu and Kashmir.
The Deputy CM maintained that while political leaders and activists must exercise restraint in their public statements, the government too has a responsibility to respond proportionately. “We cannot strengthen democracy by silencing voices. The rule of law must prevail, but at the same time, people must feel that their rights and dignity are protected,” he added.
Choudhary said that democratic systems are robust enough to deal with harsh words through debate and accountability rather than incarceration. He emphasised that dialogue, not suppression, was the way forward in addressing political differences. [KNT]
