MLA's detention: Prohibitory orders remain in force in Doda after protests, security tightened

Prohibitory orders remained in place for the second consecutive day on Wednesday in Doda district, which witnessed clashes between protesters and security forces during demonstrations against the detention of AAP MLA Mehraj Malik under the Public Safety Act (PSA).

Protests, which started on Tuesday, continued across the district, with reports of police using lathicharge and tear gas to disperse crowds. Prohibitory orders have been imposed and additional security forces deployed in sensitive areas, officials said.

The clashes spread to the neighbouring town of Bhaderwah and resulted in injuries to both protesters and police personnel including two officers.

People from various areas attempted to defy the prohibitory orders and police had to resort to cane charging at some places.

Police have also detained 70 people, including five women. Several of them are expected to be released tonight, sources said.

The PSA, a law often used against terrorists and separatists, was invoked against an elected official, igniting a political firestorm in Jammu and Kashmir.

Meanwhile, Malik’s lawyer Appu Singh said, “We have finalized a team of lawyers fighting the case. I cannot reveal the next course of action or the names of the lawyers at this point. But the family of Malik wants him out.” She added that once the legal team meets, they will decide the next course of action. “The Deputy Commissioner should sit and think whether the decision to slap the PSA was an act of personal vendetta. It seems like a personal grudge.”

Early this morning, heavy deployment of security forces was seen around the Doda town. The district administration went ahead with strong measures in the form of the installation of concertina wires to limit movement and keep crowds away from government offices.

Police vans made announcements asking residents to stay indoors after prohibitory orders were clamped throughout Doda town.

While there was no official word on clampdown, the Internet services in the area were not working with protestors alleging that it had been suspended to silence the voice of the people.

The Doda district has been on the boil following the detention of Malik, an outspoken critic of the government, and his subsequent arrest and placement in Kathua jail for purportedly disturbing public peace. The night had been tense, especially in the Doda Assembly constituency.

The Doda town and outskirts have been shut off, with more security personnel deployed at vulnerable areas such as Bhaderwah, Gandoh, and Thathri. All business establishments and schools have been shut down and people ordered to remain indoors.

“...there are no reports of any untoward incidents so far from anywhere,” a police officer said.