Thousands of people gathered in Doda district of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), defying restrictions to welcome political leader Meraj Malik after his release.
According to Beyond Time News, the crowd included men, women, and children who assembled despite prohibitory orders on public gatherings.
Large Public Turnout
Residents from across the Chenab Valley joined a procession that moved toward Doda. People along the route supported the gathering by distributing water and food, while many others joined spontaneously.
Pakistan Leadership Calls for Protection of Workers
Restrictions Ignored
Authorities had imposed Section 163 restrictions banning gatherings of five or more people in several areas, including Clock Tower Chowk, Dessa Road, Akramabad, and the sports stadium in Doda.
Despite police deployment and public warnings, thousands continued to gather.
Background
Meraj Malik had earlier been detained under the Public Safety Act (PSA) in September 2025 after criticising government policies.
