Deputy Commissioner Doda, Harvinder Singh on Saturday said restrictions on gatherings remain in place across the district while schools are expected to reopen from Monday following safety inspections.
Talking to media persons, DC Harvinder said, “Restrictions under Section 163, which prohibit the assembly of more than five to six persons, continue across the district.”
“A clear message has been conveyed that people should only step out to buy essentials and return home, avoiding any attempt to gather unnecessarily,” he said.
On reopening of schools, DC said, “As I mentioned earlier, inspections are underway in schools because heavy rains caused significant damage. It was necessary to inspect every institution. These inspections will be completed by tomorrow evening, and from Monday we will be able to see children going back to school safely.”
Meanwhile, markets in district headquarters and other major towns in Doda sprang to life today after authorities announced a six-hour relaxation in restrictions imposed earlier this week after the detention of sitting AAP MLA Mehraj Malik under the stringent Public Safety Act.
Malik, who is also the chief of AAP’s J-K unit, was detained on Monday for allegedly disturbing public order. His detention sparked violent protests, prompting the authorities to impose prohibitory restrictions and snap mobile internet and broadband services in Doda.
The authorities announced relaxation in the restrictions in Doda, Bhaderwah, and Assar from 12 noon to 6 pm, allowing shopkeepers to open their establishments, officials said.
Traffic was also seen plying in the area, and so far the relaxation period has remained peaceful with no untoward incident reported from anywhere, the officials said.
The restrictions were eased after police and the civil administration held consultations with civil society members and representatives from the local chamber of commerce, who suggested gradual restoration of normal activities.
SSP Sandeep Mehta, meanwhile, said mobile and broadband internet services in the district will continue to remain suspended for the time being as a precautionary measure to check the spread of fake news.
Welcoming the decision of the administration to allow the markets to open, local residents said the move will provide much-needed relief to the people, who are reeling under restrictions ever since the detention of the AAP MLA.
“We faced losses for the past several days, while people found it difficult to get even basic items. This step has given us some relief,” Mushtaq Ahmad, a trader in Doda, said.
He urged the government to restore internet services at the earliest, citing difficulties faced by the students and businessmen.