Doda imposes 2-month ban on protests, gatherings after Mehraj Malik rally in J&K

Srinagar: The district administration has imposed a ban on unauthorised assemblies and protests in parts of Doda town of Jammu and Kashmir for two months citing apprehensions over public disturbance and threat to peace.

The step has been taken as large gatherings are expected at public events of recently released Doda MLA Mehraj Malik.

Malik addressed a huge rally at the sports stadium in Doda on Sunday during which he praised his supporters for standing with him during the time of his detention. He also vowed to continue his struggle for the electorate.


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Malik was released from Kathua jail on April 28 after his detention under the Public Safety Act (PSA) was quashed on Monday afternoon by the Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh High Court.

District Magistrate of Doda, Krishan Lal, stated in his order that the administration observed that some people were allegedly planning demonstrations and trying to mobilise gatherings, which could lead to untoward incidents and disturb public order.

"In exercise of the powers vested in me, I hereby order a complete ban over any unauthorised gathering of five or more persons and organising protests or dharnas in public places - Clock tower chowk, Dessa road up to Akramabad, sports stadium - within a radius of 100 meters from the sports stadium and from the clock tower up to the old bus stand except for events for which permission has been already granted," read the order.

Violators will be booked under section 223 of BNSS, the order said.