Doda, Sep 10,: Authorities in Doda district have imposed strict prohibitory measures following the detention of MLA Doda Mehraj Malik under the Public Safety Act, a move that has triggered unease and anger among his massive support base.
The administration, apprehending possible protests and public outcry against Malik’s detention, invoked Section 163 BNSS, 2023, banning the assembly of four or more persons across the district until further orders. Officials cited concerns over law and order and the possibility of unlawful gatherings.
An order issued by Additional District Magistrate Doda, Anil Kumar Thakur, directs that no individual shall be allowed to deliver provocative speeches, raise slogans, or make gestures deemed capable of disrupting peace and communal harmony. The order also prohibits the carrying of lathis or sharp-edged weapons in public spaces.
The clampdown effectively restricts people from expressing themselves or staging demonstrations against what the administration has done. The Senior Superintendent of Police, Doda, has been tasked to ensure strict implementation of the prohibitions in letter and spirit.
Locals say the sweeping restrictions amount to stifling of democratic voices at a time when people wanted to register their opposition to the arrest of the elected representative.
Officials, meanwhile, have cautioned that any violation of the prohibitory orders will invite punitive action under relevant provisions of law. [KNT]
