Defying prohibitory orders, hundreds of supporters of AAP MLA Mehraj Malik flooded the streets of Doda on Sunday to welcome him back to his constituency, days after being released from Kathua jail, where he had been detained under the Public Safety Act (PSA) for eight months.
The town witnessed charged scenes as slogan-shouting supporters hoisted Malik onto their shoulders and marched through key routes—areas that had been placed under restrictions under Section 163 of the BNSS by the district administration ahead of his proposed rally. What followed was a high-voltage political homecoming, culminating in a massive gathering at the Sports Stadium where Malik addressed the crowd.
The district administration described the rally and the procession as “unauthorised”.
Ahead of the rally, District Magistrate Krishan Lal imposed Section 163 of the BNSS in the morning, prohibiting the gathering of five or more than five people in areas including the Clock Tower Chowk, around the SSP office, the stretch from Dessa Road to Akramabad, and from the Clock Tower to the old bus stand. The administration stated that large, unauthorised gatherings could disrupt public peace and traffic movement, necessitating the imposition of restrictions. The prohibitory orders will remain in force for two months, the DM said.
Addressing the rally, Malik alleged that J&K was in a “bad state” where voices are being “systematically silenced” and dissent is being “crushed”.
He further alleged that the youth in Kashmir understand the situation but are afraid to speak openly. Malik drew parallels between Jammu and Kashmir and New Delhi, where his party is locked in a bitter tussle with the LG’s office, suggesting that suppression of voices is not limited to Kashmir alone.
He urged the people, especially the youth, to bring about a change.
The Jammu and Kashmir High Court recently ordered the release of Malik and criticised the Union Territory administration for misusing the Public Safety Act as a shortcut to bypass criminal law. Malik was arrested under this law in September last year.