{"id":12366,"date":"2026-04-28T12:36:37","date_gmt":"2026-04-28T07:06:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/publicherald.in\/?p=12366"},"modified":"2026-04-28T12:36:57","modified_gmt":"2026-04-28T07:06:57","slug":"mehraj-malik-says-political-space-shrinking-urges-youth-to-join-change-movement","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/publicherald.in\/?p=12366","title":{"rendered":"Mehraj Malik Says Political Space Shrinking, Urges Youth to Join Change Movement"},"content":{"rendered":"

JAMMU, Apr 28:<\/strong> After his release from Kathua jail on Tuesday, AAP MLA Mehraj Malik said that politics is increasingly getting entangled with legal cases, but maintained that no real change is possible without political engagement.<\/p>\n

He vowed to continue his struggle for public welfare and said his efforts are driven by ideas rather than politics alone. His release comes after the Jammu and Kashmir High Court quashed his detention under the Public Safety Act (PSA).<\/p>\n

Malik stressed the need to rise above religious divisions and focus on humanity, saying his political mission is centred on reform and public welfare in Jammu and Kashmir.<\/p>\n

\u201cOur struggle will continue. It is not a political struggle but a struggle of thoughts and for the welfare of people,\u201d Malik told reporters.<\/p>\n

Referring to his recent imprisonment, he said he had gone to jail while fighting for public rights. \u201cI went to jail for this struggle. It was for the people, and it will continue,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n

Calling for greater youth participation in politics, Malik urged young people to step forward. \u201cI am alone right now. I want youth to join politics. Only politics can change the fate of the people and the country,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

He further said he has consistently raised public issues and will continue doing so. \u201cI have been speaking for people\u2019s concerns and will keep raising their voice,\u201d he said, adding that his focus remains on welfare-oriented change through democratic means.<\/p>\n

Responding to questions, Malik said he has always been committed to serving humanity. \u201cWorking for humanity is my passion and duty. Every religion teaches us to serve humanity, and people must move away from politics based on religion,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

He added that governance should be judged on performance rather than identity. \u201cA person is known by their character, not religion,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Alleging that cases were filed against him to divert attention from reform efforts, Malik said, \u201cWe did not enter politics to fight cases but to bring improvement. However, being entangled in such cases has become part of the system.\u201d<\/p>\n

Apologising to his supporters for the difficulties faced during his imprisonment, he said struggle is necessary for change. \u201cIf not me today, someone else will have to raise these issues in the future,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

He added that time will reveal the truth, and democracy allows people to judge rightly. Reaffirming his commitment, he said his purpose remains unchanged even after release.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere is no need to rush. We will plan properly and engage with people across the region,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

He also said he holds no personal grievances against government officials and urged empathy in governance.<\/p>\n

Referring to unemployment, Malik said it remains a bigger issue than drug-related concerns affecting youth.<\/p>\n

He said that despite entering the assembly with hopes of reform, he found a lack of vision in policymaking. \u201cIf policymakers lack direction, how will society progress?\u201d he questioned.<\/p>\n

Calling on educated youth to participate in public life, he said those trying to enter politics for public service are often sidelined.<\/p>\n

Referring to his eight-month imprisonment, Malik claimed no major improvements were seen in governance or institutions during that period. \u201cYou can imprison a person, but not his thoughts,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

He further alleged that political space is shrinking and that those raising voices face difficulties. \u201cWithout political engagement, no real change is possible,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

He added that major global changes are driven by politics. \u201cPolitics runs the world, and meaningful change comes only through participation,\u201d he said. (Agencies)<\/p>\n\n

\n\n\t\t\n