Doda: Tension prevailed in Jammu and Kashmir’s Doda district and adjoining areas on Thursday following the detention of over 80 people and violent clashes between protesters and security forces after the arrest of AAP MLA Mehraj Malik under the stringent Public Safety Act (PSA).
Authorities have kept Section 163 in force across the district. Internet services have been suspended for the past three days, while mobile connectivity in Bhalesa, Kahara, and Chilli Pingal has remained shut for two days.
Security forces were deployed in strength around Doda town, Bhaderwah, Gandoh, and Thathri amid tension over alleged administrative high-handedness. Concertina wires were installed near government offices to prevent any untoward incident.
All schools in the district will remain closed till Sunday, according to orders from the Chief Education Officer, while all business establishments remained shut.
The restrictions and outages have left locals distressed as normal life continues to remain paralysed in the district.
This is the first time a sitting MLA in Jammu and Kashmir has been taken into custody under the stringent law, which allows detention without charge or trial for up to two years in some cases.
