Prohibitory Orders Imposed in J&K’s Doda Amid AAP Rally
The development came days after Malik walked out of Kathua jail, ending an eight‑month detention under the Public Safety Act (PSA).
Srinagar: Amid a public rally addressed by Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Jammu and Kashmir chief and legislator Mehraj Malik at a town sports stadium in Doda district, the local administration imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023.
The announcement was made even as the rally was underway, with witnesses stating that the Station House Officer informed the gathering that the District Magistrate had banned all unauthorised assemblies of five or more people. Despite the sudden declaration, the rally concluded without incident.
The development came days after Malik walked out of Kathua jail, ending an eight‑month detention under the Public Safety Act (PSA). His arrest in September had drawn significant attention, as he became the first sitting MLA in J&K to be booked under the PSA. The detention order, issued by the Doda District Magistrate at the time, cited multiple FIRs and alleged threats to public order. Tensions had escalated following a confrontation between Malik and DC Harvinder Singh over flood relief distribution and administrative functioning, which triggered protests by government employees and ultimately led to Malik’s arrest. Several political parties later criticised the detention, calling it politically motivated.
In the latest order, District Magistrate Krishan Lal stated that inputs had indicated plans by certain groups to hold demonstrations that could disrupt public movement and potentially disturb peace. To prevent any such situation, the administration prohibited unauthorised gatherings, protests, or dharnas at key locations including Clock Tower Chowk, the approach roads to the JK Sports Stadium, areas up to Akramabad, and the stretch from Clock Tower to the Old Bus Stand. A 100‑meter radius around the JK Sports Stadium was also brought under restriction. Events that had already received official permission were exempted from the ban.
Officials expressed concern that unregulated assemblies in these areas could inconvenience commuters and pedestrians and might escalate into law‑and‑order challenges. The Senior Superintendent of Police, Doda, has been instructed to enforce the order strictly, with violators liable for action under Section 223 of the BNSS, 2023. The order, issued on Sunday, will remain in effect for two months. The administration has directed that the restrictions be widely publicised through newspapers, social media, and other official channels to ensure public awareness.
Authorities have urged residents to cooperate with the measures, emphasising that the restrictions are aimed at maintaining peace, stability, and smooth civic functioning in the district. End it
