Several protests erupted across the Jammu region following remarks made by AAP state chief and MLA from Doda, Mehraj Malik, against a particular community. Various organisations have demanded an official apology from him.
While addressing the media in Jammu after the Assembly session on Thursday, Malik stated, “They (Hindus) will not close down liquor shops because they drink during festivals and marriages too. They are addicted to it.”
Shortly after his comments went viral, the Dogra Front, Shiv Sena, VHP, Bajrang Dal, and several other social organisations staged demonstrations across Jammu, condemning the AAP MLA for his remarks, which they said had “hurt the Hindu community.”
"He has hurt the feelings of crores of Hindus. Are we addicts, as he said? It is shameful that he displayed such hatred against Hindus. He should apologise," Dogra Front Shiv Sena President Ashok Gupta told reporters.
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In Kathua, BJP workers took out a protest march against Malik, burned his effigy, and raised slogans against both him and AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal.
"We will not tolerate his anti-Hindu behaviour. He should apologise," a BJP leader said.
Similar protests were held by the Sanatan Dharam Sabha and the Hindu Sangathan in Kishtwar and Udhampur districts, demanding an apology.
During discussions on demands for grants in the Assembly, Malik’s controversial remarks sparked a heated exchange between him and BJP legislators.
However, Speaker Mubarak Gul later expunged the remarks from the records.
Following the uproar, Malik retracted his statement, saying, "Everyone, including Hindus and Muslims, drinks liquor, some openly and some behind curtains. If my remarks have disturbed anyone, I apologise. I had no intention of hurting anyone’s feelings."
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