Administration in Doda,J&K district imposed strict prohibitory measures following the detention of MLA Doda Mehraj Malik under the Public Safety Act, a move that has triggered massive protest in the district.
The administration, apprehending possible protests and public outcry against Malik’s detention, invoked Section 163 BNSS, 2023, banning the assembly of four or more persons across the district until further orders. Officials cited concerns over law and order and the possibility of unlawful gatherings.
An order issued by Additional District Magistrate Doda, Anil Kumar Thakur, directs that no individual shall be allowed to deliver provocative speeches, raise slogans, or make gestures deemed capable of disrupting peace and communal harmony.The order also prohibits the carrying of lathis or sharp-edged weapons in public spaces.
The clampdown effectively restricts people from expressing themselves or staging demonstrations against what the administration has done.The Senior Superintendent of Police, Doda, has been tasked to ensure strict implementation of the prohibitions in letter and spirit.Locals say the sweeping restrictions amount to stifling of democratic voices at a time when people wanted to register their opposition to the arrest of the elected representative.
Officials, meanwhile, have cautioned that any violation of the prohibitory orders will invite punitive action under relevant provisions of law. The arch of these restrictions has been widened to Bhaderwah valley, with all shops and business establishments shut in the town.
At least eight police personnel, including two officers, were injured in the clashes on Tuesday. Demonstrations erupted after Malik was detained under the PSA and lodged in Kathua jail for allegedly disturbing public order.
"The situation is peaceful. There are no reports of any untoward incidents from anywhere," a police officer said, adding there are no reports of fresh protests in the district.The Senior Superintendent of Police, Doda, has been instructed to ensure strict enforcement of these restrictions in both letter and spirit.
Officials warned that any violation of the prohibitory order will invite punitive action under relevant provisions of law.As a result, shops and business establishments remained closed in Doda and Bhaderwah towns besides other towns, and traffic remained thin on the roads. Locals reported internet slowdowns, but district authorities denied any restrictions, attributing issues to technical restoration work.
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