Doda, September 12, 2025 : An uneasy calm prevailed in Doda district of Jammu and Kashmir on Friday, even as security remained tight following violent clashes earlier this week. Authorities continued to enforce prohibitory restrictions for the fourth consecutive day after protests erupted against the detention of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Mehraj Din Malik under the stringent Public Safety Act (PSA).
Malik, accused of disturbing public order, was arrested earlier this week and lodged in Kathua Jail. In response to escalating tensions, a peace committee meeting chaired by Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Shridhar Patil was held on Wednesday evening, aimed at restoring peace and normalcy in the region.
Prohibitory orders remained in force across Doda and Bhalessa towns, and mobile internet and Wi-Fi services continued to be suspended as a precautionary measure. An official confirmed, “The situation remained calm overnight with no fresh protests. However, elaborate security measures are in place, particularly in sensitive areas.”
Ahead of Friday prayers, security was further beefed up in Doda town, with patrolling intensified around Doda town, Bhaderwah, Gandoh, and Thathri. Concertina wires were installed near government offices, and police vehicles regularly broadcast announcements urging residents to stay indoors.
In Bhaderwah town, despite restrictions, a semblance of normalcy prevailed as shops and business establishments remained open.
DIG Shridhar Patil assured the public that the situation was largely under control, stating,
“We want to tell the people of Chenab Valley that the situation is by and large under control. Efforts are on to bring back complete normalcy. We are moving towards that.”
Around 40 citizens from Doda city and nearby areas participated in the peace committee meeting, contributing valuable suggestions to help restore calm. The DIG added that about 60-70 people were detained during the unrest, many of whom have since been released on bonds. No casualties were reported.
Earlier in the week, violent clashes occurred as protesters attempted to defy restrictions, leading to baton charges by security personnel. Eight police personnel, including a deputy superintendent and a station house officer, were reportedly injured during the clashes.
The chief education officer ordered the closure of all schools in the district until Sunday, and business establishments were also directed to remain shut.
The district administration justified Malik’s arrest, stating it was based on his “provocative speeches and abusive language” on social media, allegedly intended to disrupt peace.
Meanwhile, Malik’s father, Shamas Din Malik, appealed for his son’s release, stating that he no longer wished to pursue the matter in court. He said, “I want my son back. I met Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who said he would see what he could do.”
Shamas Udin, who was briefly hospitalized after collapsing from stress following his son’s detention, apologized for the language used by his son and urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to facilitate Malik’s release.
The AAP accused the Central government of targeting the party politically. At a protest in Jammu, AAP MP Sanjay Singh condemned the arrest and vowed to continue the party’s struggle “against injustice on the streets, in Parliament, and if necessary, in the Supreme Court.”
On Thursday, high drama unfolded at the Circuit House in Srinagar, where former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah was prevented from meeting Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh, who was detained at the premises to prevent him from protesting against Malik’s detention.
PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti described the situation in Doda as “deeply disturbing,” criticizing the administration’s handling of the unrest.
“An internet blackout has been imposed, schools have been shut, and curfew has been enforced in Doda district. Alarming reports suggest that roads are being deliberately blocked, depriving people of their fundamental right to movement,” she said.
This marks the first time a sitting MLA in Jammu and Kashmir has been detained under the PSA, a law that allows detention without charge or trial for up to two years in some cases.
