Doda: Security Tightened Amid Calm Following Protests Over MLA Arrest
Doda, Jammu and Kashmir: Security in Doda district was heightened on Friday, even as an uneasy calm settled over the hilly region, with prohibitory orders in place for the fourth consecutive day.
The measures follow violent clashes earlier this week between security forces and protesters opposing the detention of Aam Aadmi Party MLA Mehraj Malik under the stringent Public Safety Act (PSA). Malik, arrested for allegedly disturbing public order, was lodged in Kathua jail.
On Wednesday evening, police convened a peace committee meeting chaired by Deputy Inspector General of Police Shridhar Patil to expedite restoration of normalcy. Prohibitory orders remain in effect in Doda and Bhalessa towns, with mobile internet and Wi-Fi services suspended as a precaution.
“The situation remained calm overnight with no fresh protests. However, security remains tight, especially in sensitive areas,” an official said. Security measures have been intensified in Doda town ahead of Friday prayers, with patrolling strengthened in Bhaderwah, Gandoh, and Thathri. Concertina wires were installed near government offices, and police vehicles urged residents to stay indoors.
Despite tensions, Bhaderwah saw a semblance of normalcy, with shops and businesses open. DIG Shridhar Patil assured residents that the situation is largely under control. Around 40 local citizens attended the peace committee meeting, providing suggestions to help restore order. He added that 60–70 people had been detained during earlier clashes, most of whom have since been released on bond, and no casualties were reported.
Earlier protests on Monday and Wednesday led to baton charges by security forces. Eight police personnel, including a deputy superintendent and a station house officer, were reportedly injured. Schools in the district will remain closed until Sunday, and businesses will also stay shut.
The district administration described Malik as a government critic, citing his “provocative speeches and abusive language” on social media aimed at disturbing peace. Malik’s father, Shamas Din Malik, appealed for his release, expressing that he no longer wishes to pursue legal remedies. He stated he met Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who promised to look into the matter. Shamas Udin, briefly hospitalized after collapsing from stress, also requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to facilitate Malik’s release.
The AAP has accused the central government of politically targeting the party. At a protest in Jammu, MP Sanjay Singh condemned the arrest, vowing to continue the struggle “against injustice on the streets, in Parliament, and if necessary, in the Supreme Court.” On Thursday, former J&K Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah was barred from meeting Singh, who had been detained at Circuit House in Srinagar to prevent protests over Malik’s arrest.
PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti described the situation in Doda as “deeply disturbing,” criticizing the administration for imposing internet blackouts, shutting schools, enforcing curfews, and allegedly blocking roads, which restrict residents’ fundamental right to movement.
Malik’s detention marks the first time a sitting MLA in Jammu and Kashmir has been taken into custody under the PSA, which allows detention without charge or trial for up to two years in certain cases.
