Broadband Services Restored in Doda as Authorities Ease Restrictions Following Week-Long Suspension
Doda/Jammu, Sept 14: Authorities on Sunday restored broadband internet services in Doda district of Jammu and Kashmir, marking a step toward normalcy after nearly a week of restrictions imposed in the wake of violent protests that erupted following the detention of AAP legislator and J&K unit president Mehraj Malik under the Public Safety Act (PSA).
Malik, 37, was taken into custody on September 8 for allegedly disturbing public order in Doda. His detention sparked widespread unrest, prompting the administration to clamp down with prohibitory orders, suspend both mobile and broadband internet, and deploy additional security forces to sensitive areas.
Officials confirmed that broadband connectivity was restored in the district this morning, while extra forces were also withdrawn from marketplaces that reopened after days of shutdown. “The situation is improving and restrictions are being eased in phases after careful review,” an official said.
The decision followed a high-level meeting on Saturday chaired by Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Doda-Kishtwar-Ramban Range Shridhar Patil, Deputy Commissioner Harvinder Singh, and Senior Superintendent of Police Sandeep Kumar Mehta with representatives from civil society, Beopar Mandal, and the Transport Association. At the meeting, community leaders assured their cooperation with the administration and urged for a phased lifting of restrictions so that both government functioning and private businesses could resume smoothly.
Participants stressed the heavy losses borne by the public due to the recent flood-like situation and week-long disruption of daily life. They pressed for immediate restoration of internet, transport, education, and market activities, underlining the urgency of relief measures in a district already reeling under environmental and economic stress.
The DIG commended the role of Doda’s citizens and stakeholders for their restraint and contribution to maintaining peace during a sensitive period. He urged business establishments to ensure CCTV cameras are fully functional and asked transporters, shopkeepers, drivers, and laborers to remain vigilant against miscreants seeking to exploit the situation. “Public cooperation is essential to maintain order and ensure lasting peace,” he emphasized.
Deputy Commissioner Harvinder Singh assured civil society members that issues related to the supply of essential commodities would be addressed within 24 hours. He reiterated the administration’s commitment to gradually reopening schools, transport services, and markets while closely monitoring ground conditions to avoid further disturbances.
Officials confirmed that while broadband services have resumed, mobile internet services and some restrictions on gatherings will continue until further review. The phased approach, they said, is intended to balance the restoration of normal life with the need to prevent any flare-up of tensions.
