J&K: Prohibitory orders imposed in Doda after protests over AAP MLA’s detention

Prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNSS) were imposed in Doda district, Jammu and Kashmir, on Tuesday evening after large protests broke out against the detention of AAP’s J&K president and MLA Mehraj Malik under the Public Safety Act (PSA).

 

 

The order bars gatherings of four or more people anywhere in the district until further notice. It also prohibits provocative speeches, slogan-shouting, or any act that could disturb peace and harmony. Carrying sticks, rods, or sharp weapons in public has also been banned.

 

 

At least eight police personnel, including two officers, were injured during clashes on Tuesday.

 

 

Mehraj Malik, who represents Doda East constituency, was booked under the Jammu and Kashmir Public Safety Act, 1978, on charges of carrying out activities “prejudicial to the maintenance of public order.”

 

 

“The situation is peaceful on Wednesday as there are no reports of any untoward incidents or fresh protests from anywhere,” an official said.

 

 

On Wednesday, AAP leader and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh arrived in Jammu to extend support to Malik. Speaking to the media, Singh said, “It is unconstitutional to slap Public Safety Act (PSA) on Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) Doda MLA, Mehraj Malik. We will take up this matter strongly and we may also approach the Supreme Court.”