Prohibitory orders remained in place for the second consecutive day on Wednesday in Jammu and Kashmir’s Doda district which witnessed clashes between protesters and security forces during demonstrations against the detention of AAP MLA Mehraj Malik under the Public Safety Act (PSA).
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.
Authorities in Doda district on Tuesday imposed prohibitory restrictions in view of apprehensions of breach of peace, law and order concerns, and possible unlawful assemblies.
Additional District Magistrate Doda, Anil Kumar Thakur, issued an order stating that the assembly of four or more persons is prohibited across the district until further orders.
The order further directs that no individual shall deliver provocative speeches, raise slogans, or display gestures that may disrupt peace and communal harmony. Carrying lathis or sharp-edged weapons in public has also been banned.
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.
Additional security personnel have been deployed in sensitive areas of the district, including Bhaderwah, Gandoh, Bhalessa, Chilli Pingal, Kahara, and Thathri, officials said.
Protests also rocked Jammu, Rajouri, Poonch, and Kishtwar. The National Conference, PDP, and People’s Conference condemned Malik’s detention, calling it an “assault on democracy.” Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said that Malik posed no threat and termed the PSA detention “wrong.” (Agencies)
