Srinagar, Sep 10 (IANS) – The Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education (JKBOSE) on Wednesday announced the postponement of Class 10 and 11 examinations across the Union Territory following restrictions imposed in Doda district.
In a statement, JKBOSE said the curbs on movement and transport in Doda had made it difficult to conduct the exams as planned. The board added that the decision was taken to ensure student safety and maintain the smooth conduct of the examinations. Revised dates will be issued separately.
Restrictions were enforced in Doda on Tuesday after protests erupted over the arrest of local MLA Mehraj Malik. Demonstrators clashed with police, pelting stones at security forces, prompting the district administration to impose prohibitory orders banning gatherings of four or more people.
Malik, arrested on Monday in Doda town, has been detained under the Public Safety Act (PSA), which allows preventive detention for up to two years without judicial trial. His detention has drawn condemnation from political leaders across J&K, except the BJP.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who met Malik’s father on Tuesday, criticised the move, saying disputes concerning an elected representative should have been addressed in the Assembly. He said invoking the PSA against an MLA undermines democratic principles.
The detention order, issued by the District Magistrate, stated that the step was necessary to maintain order in the district. Following procedure, the Magistrate informed the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, though the Speaker’s office clarified this did not imply endorsement of the detention.
An order issued by the Additional District Magistrate on Wednesday reiterated the ban on unlawful assemblies and prohibited provocative speeches, slogans, or gestures likely to disturb peace. It also barred the carrying of lathis and sharp-edged weapons in public.
