Doda erupts: protesters, cops injured as internet snapped, curbs intensified
Jammu: The mountainous Doda district and adjoining areas of Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir remained on the boil for the third consecutive day against the arrest of elected representative Meraj Malik under the draconian Public Safety Act.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the situation turned volatile on Thursday as hundreds of protesters poured onto the streets, defying restrictions and demanding Malik’s immediate release. Police resorted to baton-charge and heavy tear-gas shelling to disperse the protesters, resulting in injuries to several civilians and policemen, including two officers. Former Block Development Council (BDC) member of Kahara was also injured during clashes near Premnagar.
Authorities imposed Section 144, suspended internet services, and shut down all educational institutions and business establishments across Doda district. The clashes later spread to Bhaderwah town and parts of Thathri and Gandoh, where heavy deployment of Indian police and paramilitary personnel was made. Police vehicles with loudspeakers patrolled the streets, warning people to remain indoors.
Eyewitnesses said several protesters, including women, were detained. To restrict movement around government offices, the authorities laid concertina wires at key points in Doda and Bhaderwah.
Malik’s lawyer, Appu Singh, told reporters that a legal team has been finalized to challenge the PSA detention, but details of the next course of action were not disclosed.
The imposition of PSA on the elected representative has sparked widespread condemnation from political circles and civil society, who termed it a direct assault on democratic values.
