Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) continues to remain in effect in Bhalessa, Doda district, a day after Aam Aadmi Party MLA Mehraj Malik was arrested under the Public Safety Act (PSA), officials said on Friday.
The order was imposed following protests against Malik’s arrest. On Thursday, the administration briefly relaxed restrictions for two hours to allow residents to purchase essential supplies. Locals have since urged authorities to open more markets and restore mobile and internet services ahead of upcoming festivals and yatras.
“We approached the SDM because damaged roads and restrictions made it difficult to buy essentials. We are thankful for the relaxation, but now we request the opening of other markets and restoration of communication services,” said local resident and social worker Rishi Kumar Kaushal.
DPAP block president Abdul Majeed also welcomed the limited relief while highlighting the need for sustained measures to ensure access to ration, electricity, water, and open roads.
Doda-Kishtwar-Ramban Range DIG Sridhar Patil said the administration is holding discussions with locals to restore normalcy. He confirmed incidents of stone-pelting and an explosion-like sound in parts of Doda, adding that tear gas was used to control the situation. Two individuals are under inquiry.
“We are on the right track to resolve people’s problems. I thank the public for supporting peace and communal harmony,” Patil said.
Tensions have remained high in the region since Malik’s arrest under the Jammu and Kashmir Public Safety Act, 1978, for activities deemed prejudicial to public order.