J&K’s Doda District Sees Normal Life Affected Following MLA’s Arrest

DODA/JAMMU, Sept 13: Normal life in Jammu and Kashmir’s Doda district remained disrupted for the fifth straight day on Saturday after the detention of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Mehraj Malik under the Public Safety Act (PSA), officials said.

Malik, who also heads AAP’s J&K unit, was detained on Monday for allegedly disturbing public order. His arrest triggered widespread protests and violent clashes, prompting authorities to impose prohibitory restrictions and suspend mobile internet and broadband services across the district.

Despite a brief two-hour relaxation on Friday evening, which passed peacefully, security personnel patrolled deserted streets on Saturday, directing shopkeepers to keep their establishments shut.

Officials said several detained individuals were released on personal bonds, though heightened security measures remain in place to prevent further unrest.

Doda witnessed violent clashes until Wednesday as protesters defied restrictions, forcing security forces to use baton charges. At least eight police personnel, including a deputy superintendent and a station house officer, were injured in the confrontations.

Adding to the disruptions, the chief education officer ordered the closure of all schools in the district until Sunday.

Meanwhile, locals appealed to the administration to ease restrictions to allow normal life to resume. “We want the administration to lift the restrictions immediately. Earlier, heavy rains had already disrupted schools and daily life, and now security curbs have added to our hardships,” said Mohammad Shaban, a resident.