Indian forces use violent measures to quell swelling Doda protests over MLA’s detention
Jammu: Authorities resorted to heavy teargas shelling and baton charges to foil protests in different areas of the restive Doda district of Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir against the detention of Aam Aadmi Party legislator Mehraj-ud-Din Malik under the draconian Public Safety Act (PSA).
According to Kashmir Media Service, after restricting mobile internet in Doda earlier on Tuesday, the administration imposed prohibitory orders to prevent demonstrations from spreading. Despite this, thousands of protesters took to the streets in Doda and some other districts of IIOJK, demanding Malik’s release.
Indian police and paramilitary forces were deployed in strength, setting up checkpoints across Gandoh, Kahara, Thathri, Bhalessa, and other areas of Doda to block Malik’s supporters. Clashes broke out in Doda’s Dunadi village, where forces used teargas and baton charges to disperse demonstrators, some of whom retaliated with stone pelting. Several protesters, including women, were detained.
A video from Thatri-Gandoh road showed teargas smoke engulfing the area as hundreds of Malik’s supporters marched toward a checkpoint. Concertina wires blocked bridges, and violent clashes followed. Outside the district police headquarters in Doda town, protesters were heavily baton-charged while demanding Malik’s release. Many demonstrators were reportedly injured.
In Thathri area of Doda, Indian army personnel blocked the Kishtwar-Doda road to contain demonstrators.
Meanwhile, the AAP staged a protest outside the press club in Jammu city, raising slogans against Malik’s arrest & the BJP. Protests by AAP supporters were also received from Rajouri, Poonch, Kishtwar & Islamabad districts.
