A day after government has slapped draconian Public Safety Act on a “mentally deranged” youth of Doda for allegedly desecrating a temple in Janipur in Jammu, the government Thursday revoked the Act on him. Ruling PDP MLA from Shopian, Muhammad Yousuf Bhat raised the issue in the Lower House of the legislature when the proceedings of the Question Hour began today.“How can the government slap PSA on a person who was declared lunatic,” Bhat said in the Lower House. Bhat’s query created ruckus in the House as Independent MLA from Langate, Er Abdul Rashid joined the ruling legislator.The two legislators were supported by another ruling MLA, Abdul Rahim Rather from Kokernag Assembly segment. “I demand the PSA be revoked on the youth who is lunatic,” Rather said.While responding to the legislators, the government condemned the sacrilegious act on the temple. “It is wrong to slap PSA on a lunatic person. We will revoke it and inquire what has led to it,” Minister for Revenue, Relief and Rehabilitation said in the House.Yasir Alfazi, a youth from Doda, who was declared “lunatic” by the government in the House after the sacrilegious act on Aap Shamboo temple in Janipur locality in Jammu region in last week, was arrested by police and slapped PSA on Wednesday.
The act had erupted violence with mobs burning three vehicles, vandalizing public property. 22 person were arrested by police for violence but were released after interference by the government.However, the coalition partner of PDP, BJP was incensed with the announcement of revoking the act on the youth.“How can this be done. Being lunatic is no ground for revocation of the act. The youth has vitiated the atmosphere in Jammu, he should be given tough punishment,” said R S Pathani, MLA from Jammu region.Pathania, a law graduate, said that minister has no power to revoke the act. “Only Sub district magistrate has the power to slap or revoke the Act.”But Pathania’s reaction angered Rashid, who said that “it will have to happen.”However, Peoples Conference from MLA from Kupwara, who was practicing lawyer before joining politics, confronted the BJP lawmaker.“If any person is declared lunatic, as per law he can be exempted even for 302 (murder). So why PSA can’t be revoked,” Dar said.“Grounds of detention are to be explained to a detenuee. So how can you explain to him when he is lunatic,” Dar explained, adding “such persons cannot be detained.” (KNS)