Doda, Sep 11 (KNO): Uneasy calm prevailed in Doda and neighboring areas on Thursday following the arrest of Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) lone legislator from Jammu and Kashmir, Mehraj Malik under the Public Safety Act (PSA).
An official told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that many people have been detained since protests erupted after Malik’s detention, which led to violent confrontations between demonstrators and security forces.
“Prohibitory orders have been in place since Monday under section 163 of the BNSS Act, restricting public movement without prior permission,” the official said, adding that these orders remained in place for the third consecutive day today.
As a precaution, the internet and mobile internet services continue to remain suspended in the district, the officials added.
The security forces have been deployed in large numbers throughout Doda town, Bhaderwah, Gandoh, and other areas.
The security grid also installed concertina wires near government offices. Police vehicles are regularly patrolling the streets, making announcements, urging residents to stay indoors for their safety, the official added.
Mehraj Malik, who secured the Assembly seat in the 2024 elections by more than 4,500 votes, was arrested on Monday under the PSA for allegedly disrupting public order.
Following his arrest, Malik was shifted to Kathua district jail. This marks the first occasion that a sitting MLA in Jammu and Kashmir has been detained under this stringent law, which allows detention without trial for up to two years in some cases.
Meanwhile, the Chief Education Officer ordered the closure of all schools in the district until Sunday while businesses have also remained closed.
Later in the evening, the Deputy Inspector General of Police (Doda-Kishtwar-Ramban Range) Shridhar Patil said that the law-and-order situation in Doda is under control and appealed to the people to continue supporting peace efforts.
Speaking at a press conference in Doda, Patil said he, along with SSP Doda, met over 40 local citizens from Doda town and surrounding areas to discuss recent disturbances and ways to restore normalcy.
“We wanted to share some information with you. Today, we had a meeting with respectable citizens of Doda. They gave us good suggestions and also pointed out the difficulties being faced due to the recent incidents,” he said.
According to the DIG, the discussions focused on providing essential supplies, relief to flood-affected families, and addressing administrative issues such as electricity disruptions and landslides. “After an hour-long discussion, we decided on measures to resolve several issues. This is an important confidence-building step for us,” he added.
Patil confirmed that incidents of stone pelting had occurred in parts of Doda. “We had to use tear gas in some places, but the situation was brought under control,” he said, adding that around 60–70 people were detained during the disturbances, many of whom were later released and returned to their families.
On the reported blast in Thukar Mohalla earlier in the day, the DIG said police and forensic teams are investigating. “Around 10.30–11 a.m. we received reports of an explosion-like sound. We have collected samples for ballistic examination. Two people have been taken into custody for questioning. It would be premature to call it a grenade blast. We cannot go by what somebody says, we have to go by the investigation,” he said.
Asked about communication services, Patil said mobile and internet connectivity in Doda would be restored soon. He appealed to people, particularly youth, to remain calm. “You have set an example of communal harmony and brotherhood. To maintain this image and make it better, we all have to work together,” he said.
On rumours of detentions under the Public Safety Act (PSA), the DIG clarified, “No such cases have been filed. These are only rumours. I urge the media not to allow such rumours to spread and to verify facts with authorities before sharing.”
Patil said additional security forces had been deployed in the area as a precaution but reiterated that the public remained the “biggest supporters of peace.”—(KNO)