DODA (JAMMU AND KASHMIR), SEPTEMBER 10 — Tense calm prevailed across Jammu and Kashmir’s Doda district on Wednesday, even as prohibitory orders continued for a second consecutive day. The district had witnessed unrest on Tuesday following the detention of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Mehraj Malik under the Public Safety Act (PSA), triggering clashes between protesters and security personnel.
While officials confirmed the situation remained under control, the imposition of restrictions has expanded, now encompassing the entire Bhaderwah valley. All commercial establishments, markets, and private offices stayed shuttered, with minimal movement observed on roads.
Despite no fresh incidents reported throughout the day, the administration has opted for a cautious approach to prevent any recurrence of violence.
Background of the Unrest
The current situation escalated after AAP legislator Mehraj Malik was booked under the PSA and shifted to Kathua Jail. He was accused of activities that allegedly threatened public order. This triggered widespread resentment among his supporters and civil society groups, leading to demonstrations in Doda, particularly in Bhaderwah town.
The protest, which began as a sit-in, turned violent when demonstrators reportedly began pelting stones. Security forces retaliated, and at least eight police personnel, including two officers, sustained injuries in the confrontation.
Scope of Restrictions
To avoid further flare-ups, the Additional District Magistrate of Doda, Anil Kumar Thakur, issued prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the CrPC, banning the assembly of more than four people across the district. The directive also prohibits any inflammatory speech, provocative slogans, or display of signs and gestures that could provoke communal or social tensions.
Furthermore, the carrying of lathis (sticks), sharp-edged weapons, or any objects that may be used to incite violence has been banned in public spaces. The Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Doda has been tasked with ensuring strict compliance, and any violation will be dealt with under relevant legal provisions, authorities warned.
Security Reinforcement Across District
Officials confirmed that additional police and paramilitary personnel have been deployed in sensitive areas, including Bhaderwah, Gandoh, Bhalessa, Chilli Pingal, Kahara, and Thathri. Roadblocks and barricades have been installed at key junctions, and mobile patrolling teams are closely monitoring the situation.
Even though no curfew has been officially imposed, the heavy deployment and the continuing restrictions have effectively locked down major areas, bringing daily life to a standstill. Educational institutions remain closed, and attendance in government offices has dropped significantly.
Internet and Communication Woes
Residents in several parts of Doda and Bhaderwah complained of sluggish internet speeds and call drops, fueling speculation of unofficial curbs on communication. However, district officials denied enforcing any formal internet restrictions. They attributed the connectivity issues to ongoing technical maintenance and network restoration efforts.
Local shopkeepers said they had voluntarily kept their businesses closed as a mark of protest and to avoid being caught in any potential confrontation between protesters and security forces. Auto and taxi services also remained largely suspended, with transporters citing safety concerns.
Political Reactions and Wider Protests
The detainment of Mehraj Malik under the PSA has evoked strong political responses across the union territory, with leaders from mainstream parties criticizing the government’s decision.
Former Chief Minister and National Conference leader Omar Abdullah said Malik’s actions did not warrant a PSA booking and termed the move as politically motivated. He urged the administration to reconsider the decision, warning that such measures could widen the gap between the government and the people.
The People’s Democratic Party (PDP), National Conference (NC), and People’s Conference (PC) also condemned the detention, calling it an “assault on democratic principles”. These parties argued that Malik had been raising local issues within a democratic framework and was now being punished for dissent.
Malik, a relatively new entrant into Jammu and Kashmir’s political landscape, had been active in highlighting alleged administrative lapses and issues of governance in Doda and surrounding districts. His supporters claim that his detention is an attempt to stifle political opposition in the region.
The ripple effects of Malik’s arrest extended to other districts. Protest marches were reported from parts of Jammu, Rajouri, Poonch, and Kishtwar, where supporters staged rallies demanding his release. However, unlike Doda, these protests were largely peaceful.
Community Leaders Call for Calm
Amid rising tensions, several community leaders and religious clerics have appealed for restraint and dialogue. In a joint statement, they urged people not to fall prey to rumors and to maintain peaceful coexistence. They stressed the importance of legal avenues to challenge the PSA detention instead of resorting to street protests.
Local bar associations and civil society groups are reportedly preparing a legal challenge to Malik’s detention in the Jammu and Kashmir High Court. They argue that the grounds of detention are vague and not supported by credible evidence.
Current Assessment and Way Forward
The situation in Doda, although calm for now, remains volatile. The administration’s strategy appears to focus on preventive containment, combining heavy deployment with restrictions to avoid an escalation. However, the continuation of these measures beyond a point could further alienate the local population, especially if no concrete steps are taken to address their grievances.
There is also growing scrutiny over the use of the Public Safety Act, a law often criticized for its sweeping powers and preventive nature. While the government maintains that the law is necessary to ensure public order, critics argue it is frequently misused against political opponents and activists.
The next steps may depend on how the legal process unfolds and whether the administration is willing to initiate dialogue with political stakeholders and civil society groups. Until then, the fragile peace in Doda will hinge on a delicate balance between security enforcement and community outreach.
The district administration is likely to review the prohibitory orders in the coming days, depending on inputs from local intelligence and ground assessments by the police. Meanwhile, the people of Doda wait, hoping for a return to normalcy without further confrontation or disruption to their lives.
