Doda/Jammu, Sept 11: The mountainous Doda district along with some adjoining areas today remained tense with reports of violent clashes between protesters and security personnel that were triggered by the detention of the only Aam Admi Party (AAP) MLA Mehraj Malik in J&K representing Doda constituency under the stringent Public Safety Act (PSA).
The protests started yesterday and continued across the district with reports of cops baton-charging the protesters and using tear gas to disperse the crowds. Sources informed that prohibitory orders have been imposed and additional security forces were deployed in sensitive areas while the clashes spread to neighbouring Bhaderwah town which resulted in injuries to both protesters and cops including two officers.
People from various areas attempted to defy restrictions in protest following which cops baton charged them at some places and detained some protesters including few women and released them by the evening.
Ex-BDC Kahara was among those injured after clash between protesters and cops near Premnagar.
Mobile internet and WiFi services were not functional in the area and there were reports that the same were suspended as precautionary measure.
The administration has also ordered the closure of all educational institutions and business establishments, except medical stores, across district Doda.
Presence of security personnel in good number was there in Bhaderwah, Doda, Thathri and Gandoh with Police vehicles continued making repeated announcements on loudspeakers appealing people to remain indoors and cooperate with authorities.
Malik’s lawyer Appu Singh told reporters that they have finalized a team of lawyers to fight the case but did not revealed the next course of action or names of the lawyers.
To limit movement and keep crowds away from Government offices, concertina wires were fixed at many places.
A police officer informed that there was no report of any untoward incidents so far from anywhere.
The detention of Mehraj Malik has been flayed by several political parties.
Meanwhile, as per order by CEO Doda, all the schools in the district will remain close till Sunday (14 Sept., 2025).–(Daily Excelsior)
