Doda, Sept 12: Security was further intensified in Jammu and Kashmir’s Doda district on Friday, with prohibitory orders extended for the fourth straight day following violent protests over the arrest of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) legislator Mehraj Malik under the Public Safety Act (PSA).
Malik, accused of disturbing public order through “provocative speeches and abusive language” on social media, was arrested earlier this week and lodged in Kathua jail. His detention has set off widespread protests in Doda, where clashes between demonstrators and security personnel on Monday and Wednesday left several injured.
Officials said the situation remained calm overnight, with no fresh protests. However, a heavy deployment of police and paramilitary forces continued across Doda town, Bhaderwah, Gandoh and Thathri, particularly around Friday prayers. Concertina wires were placed near government offices, while mobile internet and Wi-Fi services remained suspended as a precaution.
“Security measures are elaborate and patrolling has been intensified. The situation is under control, though tensions remain high,” an official said.
Deputy Inspector General of Police Shridhar Patil, who chaired a peace committee meeting earlier this week, assured residents that normalcy was gradually returning. About 40 community members attended the meeting, offering suggestions for restoring calm. “We detained 60–70 people during the clashes, several of whom have since been released on bonds. Thankfully, there have been no casualties,” Patil said.
The unrest saw eight policemen, including a deputy superintendent and a station house officer, injured during baton charges against protesters attempting to defy restrictions. Shops and businesses remained closed, while schools across the district will stay shut until Sunday on orders of the Chief Education Officer.
Malik’s father, Shamas Din, appealed for his son’s release, apologising for his remarks. “I want my son back. I met Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who assured me he would look into the matter,” he said. Shamas Din, who collapsed under stress following the arrest, also urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to intervene.
The detention has drawn sharp political reactions. The AAP accused the Centre of targeting its leaders, with Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh staging protests in Jammu before being briefly detained in Srinagar. Former Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah was stopped from meeting him at Circuit House. PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti termed the situation “deeply disturbing,” criticising curfew orders, the internet blackout and restrictions on movement.
This is only the second time a sitting MLA in Jammu and Kashmir has been detained under the PSA, a stringent law that allows detention without trial for up to two years.
