Protest in Doda over police action against youths

Our Correspondent

Doda, June 22

Hundreds of people today held a massive demonstration against police action on youths who were protesting against unscheduled power shutdowns in Doda.

Youths protesting against power cuts in Ramazan, especially during prayer times, were allegedly cane-charged by the police on Tuesday night outside the deputy commissioner’s office, leaving a few of them injured.

To show their resentment, residents of Doda observed a complete shutdown in the town today.

Protesters gathered at the Old Bus Stand in Doda where senior National Conference leader Khalid Najeeb Suharwardy addressed them. Later, a peaceful rally was taken out, demanding an immediate action against the erring police and administration officials. The rally passed through different parts of the city.

“We are the biggest generators of hydro-electric power in the state, despite that we have been pushed into the dark ages by the successive governments due to erratic power cuts,” said a protester.

Condemning the use of force against youths, protesters demanded that the erring officials should be booked at the earliest.

Doda Senior Superintendent of Police Zahid Manhas said, “the action was taken only after youths tried to disturb peaceful atmosphere in the city. We have registered a case and identified few youths. However, no arrest has been made so far.”