Jammu: A young social activist has been detained under the Public Safety Act (PSA) in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir for criticizing the local administration for failing to manage waste disposal properly.

According to Kashmir Media Service, Rehamatullah Padder, 25, who lives in Dessa Bhatta of Doda IIOJK was detained under PSA for raising voice to enforce the rules governing the disposal of solid waste in the town. The detention comes after a viral video showed Padder criticizing the local administration’s decision to establish a dumping site near a residential area.

Rehmatullah Padder claimed that the waste dumping project was part of a scam involving significant sums of money. His video, in which he condemned the administration’s actions, has sparked widespread support on social media, with many citizens demanding his immediate release and accusing the authorities of silencing dissent.

Aam Aadmi Party MLA from Doda, Mehraj Malik, expressed outrage at Padder’s detention, emphasizing that the young man was only raising concerns about local governance issues. Malik criticized the authorities for using the PSA to stifle criticism, calling it an unfortunate attempt to silence those questioning the administration.

It is pertinent to mention that the arrest of Rehmatullah Padder comes soon after five trade union leaders of Chenab Valley were slapped with PSA, for raising concerns over the increasing health risks and environmental degradation caused by the construction of power projects in the region.