Jammu, Sep 12: Security was further tightened in Doda district on Friday, even as an uneasy calm prevailed for the fourth consecutive day after the arrest of Aam Aadmi Party MLA Mehraj Malik under the Public Safety Act (PSA).
Malik, accused of disturbing public order through “provocative speeches and abusive language” on social media, was shifted to Kathua jail earlier this week. His detention triggered violent clashes between protestors and security personnel on Monday and Wednesday, leaving eight police officials, including a DSP and an SHO, injured. Several protestors were also detained, with some later released.
Authorities continued with prohibitory orders in Doda and Bhalessa towns, keeping mobile internet and Wi-Fi services suspended as a precaution. Security was further beefed up around Doda, Bhaderwah, Gandoh and Thathri, with concertina wires installed near government offices. Police vehicles patrolled sensitive areas, urging residents to remain indoors, especially ahead of Friday prayers.
DIG Shridhar Patil, who chaired a peace committee meeting earlier this week, said efforts were on to restore complete normalcy. “The situation is by and large under control. Around 40 citizens participated in discussions and offered valuable suggestions. We had detained 60-70 people, many of whom have been released on bonds. Thankfully, there are no casualties,” he said.
While Doda town remained tense, Bhaderwah witnessed a semblance of normalcy with shops open on Friday. However, all schools in the district will stay closed until Sunday, and business establishments have largely remained shut.
Meanwhile, Malik’s father, Shamas Din Malik, appealed for his son’s release, apologising for his remarks and urging Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to intervene. He revealed he had even sought help from former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.
The AAP has condemned the arrest, calling it political vendetta. Party MP Sanjay Singh, who was briefly detained in Srinagar to prevent him from protesting, said the party would fight the matter “on the streets, in Parliament and, if needed, in the Supreme Court.”
PDP president Mehbooba Mufti criticised the administration, describing the situation as “deeply disturbing.” She alleged that curfew-like restrictions, school closures, and internet blackouts had deprived people of basic rights.
This marks the first instance of a sitting MLA in Jammu and Kashmir being detained under the PSA, which permits detention without charge or trial for up to two years.
