Doda, May 3, KNT: Thousands of people gathered across Doda district on Sunday to welcome AAP leader and MLA Mehraj Malik as he returned to his home constituency following his release from jail, with large crowds accompanying him from Batote to the district headquarters.
The turnout, which began along National Highway-44 and continued through multiple locations including Baggar, Assar, Jathi, Korapani, Khellani and Pul Doda, culminated in a massive gathering at the sports stadium in Doda town, reflecting what observers described as a significant show of strength.
The development assumes significance as the district administration had earlier imposed restrictions under Section 163 of the BNSS, prohibiting assembly of five or more persons in parts of Doda town and sealing the sports stadium over apprehensions of law and order issues.
However, as large numbers of people continued to converge towards the venue, authorities opened the stadium gates, allowing the gathering to take place. The town witnessed heavy congestion, with supporters forming a long cavalcade from Ganpat Bridge to the district headquarters.
Eyewitnesses described the turnout as unprecedented. “The town was choked with people. It looked like a massive outpouring,” said a local resident present during the rally.
Addressing the gathering, Malik targeted the government and reiterated his political stance. “They could imprison me but not my thoughts and vision. Today people have shown who represents them,” he said, drawing applause from supporters.
He said his focus would remain on improving healthcare, education, and public welfare in his constituency, adding that his incarceration would not deter him from political work.
Malik had been detained under the Public Safety Act in September last year and was lodged in Kathua jail for several months before the Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh High Court quashed his detention on April 27.
Following his release, he had been staying in Jammu before making his first visit to Doda on Sunday.
The scale of the reception has added a political dimension to the district, with the rally indicating strong local mobilization around the AAP leader despite administrative restrictions. [KNT]
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