Tension in Doda District Following Arrest of AAP MLA Mehraj Malik and Peace Committee Meeting

Tension continues in Jammu and Kashmir's Doda district after the arrest of AAP MLA Mehraj Malik under the Public Safety Act. A peace committee meeting was convened to restore normalcy amid ongoing prohibitory orders.

In Jammu and Kashmir's Doda district, tensions persisted after the arrest of AAP MLA Mehraj Malik under the Public Safety Act (PSA). Over 80 people were detained following clashes between protesters and security forces. Malik, who secured the Doda seat in the 2024 elections by over 4,500 votes, was arrested for allegedly disturbing public order and is now held in Kathua district jail.

Prohibitory orders have been enforced for three days in Doda, with mobile internet and WiFi services suspended as a precaution. The administration invoked Section 163 of the BNSS Act to restrict public movement since Monday. Security forces remain vigilant, with no fresh protests reported during the day.

Security Measures and Public Reaction

Security personnel have been deployed extensively around Doda town, Bhaderwah, Gandoh, and Thathri amid allegations of administrative high-handedness. Concertina wires were placed near government offices to prevent incidents. Police vehicles patrolled the area, urging residents to stay indoors.

In Srinagar, former Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah was prevented from meeting AAP MP Sanjay Singh at the Circuit House. Abdullah condemned this as an assault on constitutional values, expressing frustration over the situation and suggesting that Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha was controlling the government.

PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti criticised the administration's handling of unrest in Doda following Malik's detention. She described the situation as deeply disturbing, highlighting internet blackouts, school closures, and curfews. Mufti urged Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to visit Doda for a firsthand assessment and provide relief to affected people.

Community Engagement and Official Statements

A peace committee meeting was held in Doda, chaired by DIG Shridhar Patil, aiming to restore normalcy. Around 40 respected citizens participated, sharing concerns and suggestions. Patil assured that efforts are underway to bring back complete normalcy, thanking locals for their cooperation in maintaining peace.

"We want to tell the entire people of Chenab valley that the situation is by and large under control. Efforts are on to bring back complete normalcy, and we are moving towards that," said DIG Patil. He also clarified that rumours of casualties were false.

Protesters attempted to defy restrictions on Wednesday, leading to baton charges by security personnel at three locations. Eighty protesters, including five women, were detained during these clashes; some were later released. Schools remain closed until Sunday as per orders from the chief education officer.

Political Reactions and Family Appeals

The district administration cited Malik's provocative speeches and social media posts as reasons for his detention under PSA. His father, Shamas Din Malik, appealed for his son's release and expressed regret over his language. He met Chief Minister Omar Abdullah seeking help for his son's release.

Sanjay Singh from AAP accused the Centre of politically targeting their party. At a protest in Jammu, he condemned Malik's arrest and vowed to continue fighting against injustice through various platforms including Parliament and possibly the Supreme Court.

This incident marks the first time a sitting MLA in Jammu and Kashmir has been detained under PSA, which allows detention without charge or trial for up to two years in certain cases. Eight police personnel were injured during earlier clashes this week.

With inputs from PTI