Markets return to life as restrictions eased for six hours in J-K's Doda
Doda/Jammu (PTI): Markets in the district headquarters and other major towns in the hilly district of Doda in Jammu and Kashmir sprang to life on Saturday after the 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, officials said.
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.
However, the officials said police and paramilitary forces have been directed not to allow gathering of five or more persons as prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) remains in force throughout the district.
Deputy Commissioner Harvinder Singh said the situation is completely under control and the restrictions are being maintained as a security measure.
Schools in the district will reopen for classes next week after a safety check of all the buildings owing to the recent floods and heavy rainfall, Singh said.
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 also urged the government to restore internet services at the earliest, citing difficulties faced by the students and businessmen.
On Friday evening, the authorities eased the restrictions for two hours in Doda and other major towns of the district.
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Siddaramaiah, I will abide by Cong high command decision on leadership issue, says Shivakumar
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Sunday said both he and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will abide by any decision takeb by the Congress high command on the leadership issue in the state.
Speaking to reporters after returning from Delhi, the Congress state president said, he has full faith in the party leadership and that it would take an approapriate decision at the appropriate time.
The remarks comes amid speculations within the party and political circles about a possible leadership change and cabinet reshuffle after May 4, when the results for assembly elections in four states and one union territory, along with bypolls to two assembly segments in the Karnataka are announced.
"I will not speak about political issues before the media. I have already said that when the time comes you will get to know. So I will not tell you," Shivakumar said in response to a question on discussions with the Congress high command during his Delhi visit over the last couple of days.
He asserted that there are no issues within the party, and whatever has been already decided will take place accordingly.
Responding to a question on senior Minister Satish Jarkiholi's reported statement about internal differences, the Deputy CM said, "nothing like that, they (high command) will do what they have to do at the appropriate time."
"There are no issues, we have faith in our party, they will do what they have to," he added.
Asked about the issue of leadership change as the government is about to complete three years in office, Shivakumar said, "... I have never discussed this issue. The CM and I have both said that we will accept whatever and whenever the high command decides, and we will abide by it."
He declined to comment when asked whether any "good news" can be expected by his birthday on May 15.
The leadership tussle within the ruling party has intensified amid speculation about a possible change of chief minister after the Congress government completed the halfway mark of its five-year term on November 20, 2025. The speculation has been fuelled by the reported "power-sharing" arrangement between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar at the time of government formation in 2023.
Responding to a question on the BJP's criticism against the Congress government over its decision on internal reservation for Scheduled Castes, alleging injustice to several communities and questioning its intent behind the revised quota formula, Shivakumar said the BJP could not do anything on internal reservation while in power, but the Congress has kept its promise.
"We have found a solution and tried to do justice to all sections among SCs. We have fulfilled the promise made and every one should go together," he said.
Shivakumar warned his party workers against erecting flex banners for his birthday on May 15.
"For May 15, I want to tell everyone that no one should put up flex banners or advertisements for my birthday. If flex are installed I will ensure that cases are registered by authorities against those responsible, whether they are party workers or followers....no one should put such things on roads, this is my personal request," he said, adding that he has asked commissioners of the city corporations to register cases and impose heavy fines.
