- Omar Abdullah Calls Malik’s Arrest “Wrong,” Demands Immediate Release
JAMMU, Sep 10: Prohibitory orders continued for the second straight day in Jammu and Kashmir’s Doda district on Wednesday, following violent clashes between protesters and security forces over the detention of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) legislator Mehraj Malik under the Public Safety Act (PSA).
The restrictions, initially imposed on Tuesday after the disturbances, have now been extended to the Bhaderwah Valley. Commercial establishments, shops, and businesses remained shuttered, while normal life was severely affected. At least eight police personnel, including two officers, had sustained injuries during Tuesday’s demonstrations, which broke out soon after Malik’s detention and his subsequent transfer to Kathua jail. Authorities have accused him of disturbing public order.
A senior police officer maintained that the situation across Doda district is now “peaceful,” with no reports of fresh violence or protest gatherings. Still, security has been tightened and the prohibitory measures remain in force to prevent further flare-ups. The Additional District Magistrate of Doda, Anil Kumar Thakur, issued formal orders prohibiting gatherings of four or more people until further notice. The order specifically bans inflammatory speeches, slogan shouting, provocative gestures, and carrying sticks or sharp-edged weapons in public, all of which could potentially disrupt communal harmony.
The Senior Superintendent of Police, Doda, has been tasked with strictly implementing these restrictions. Officials have cautioned that violations will invite strict legal action. Additional forces have been deployed in sensitive areas including Bhaderwah, Gandoh, Bhalessa, Chilli Pingal, Kahara, and Thathri to maintain law and order. Residents also reported slowed internet connectivity, which authorities attributed to ongoing technical restoration work.
The unrest has not remained confined to Doda alone. Protests and demonstrations were also reported in Jammu, Rajouri, Poonch, and Kishtwar, highlighting the wider political reverberations of Malik’s detention. Several political parties, including the National Conference (NC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and Peoples Conference, have strongly criticized the government’s move. They described Malik’s PSA detention as an “assault on democracy” and demanded his immediate release.
Former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah echoed these concerns, stating that Malik posed “no threat” to public order and condemning the use of the stringent PSA against an elected representative as “wrong and unjustified.”
With tension still palpable and prohibitory measures tightening daily life, the episode has sparked a heated debate over the issue.