Srinagar : The J&K Board of School Education (JKBOSE) has postponed Class 10 and 11 exams in the union territory after authorities imposed restrictions in Doda district.
JKBOSE said that restrictions on public movement and transport in Doda made conducting the exams impossible. The board took the decision to ensure students’ safety and the smooth conduct of examinations. Fresh dates for the postponed papers will be announced separately.
Authorities imposed restrictions in Doda on Tuesday after protesters demanding the release of MLA Mehraj Malik clashed with police. Protesters threw stones at security forces, prompting the district administration to ban assemblies of four or more people.
Police arrested Mehraj Malik on Monday in Doda town under the Public Safety Act (PSA), which allows authorities to detain a person for up to two years without judicial intervention. Political leaders in J&K, except the BJP, condemned the detention.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah met Malik’s father on Tuesday, saying authorities could have resolved the issues in the Assembly. He added that detaining an elected representative under the PSA undermines democracy.
The District Magistrate of Doda cited the need to maintain law and order. The Speaker of the Legislative Assembly received the information through proper procedure, but clarified that this does not imply approval of the detention.
On Wednesday, the Additional District Magistrate issued an order to protect civilian lives and property in Doda. The order bans assemblies of four or more persons, speeches or gestures that incite unrest, and carrying lathis or sharp-edged weapons.
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