Why Did the J&K Board Postpone Class 10 and 11 Exams?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Exams postponed for safety
- Public movement restrictions in Doda
- New exam dates will be announced soon
- Protests led to clashes with police
- Political leaders condemn MLA's detention
Srinagar, Sep 10 (NationPress) The Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education (JKBOSE) announced the postponement of Class 10 and 11 examinations in the union territory on Wednesday due to the restrictions enforced by local authorities in Doda district.
According to an official statement from JKBOSE, the limitations on public movement and transportation in Doda created significant challenges for conducting the exams as originally planned.
The JKBOSE emphasized that this decision was made to prioritize the safety of students and to facilitate the orderly administration of the exams. New dates for the affected papers will be communicated in due course.
These restrictions were initiated on Tuesday following clashes between protesters demanding the release of local MLA Mehraj Malik and police forces.
Protesters resorted to stone-throwing against the security personnel, prompting the district administration to impose movement restrictions, making any assembly of four or more individuals unlawful.
Mehraj Malik's arrest occurred on Monday in Doda town, where he was detained under the Public Safety Act (PSA), which allows for a maximum two-year detention without judicial review.
This detention has sparked widespread condemnation from various political leaders in J&K, excluding the BJP.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah visited the family of the detained MLA on Tuesday, asserting that the issues surrounding the MLA could have been addressed within the Assembly, arguing that detaining an elected official under the PSA undermines the principles of democracy.
The District Magistrate's detention order cited the need to maintain public order in Doda.
The Speaker of the Legislative Assembly was notified about the MLA's detention following established protocols, although the Speaker's office clarified that this notification does not imply endorsement of the action.
An order from the Additional District Magistrate on Wednesday indicated that precautionary measures were necessary to protect civilian lives and property in District Doda.
This order prohibits gatherings of four or more people, labeling such assemblies as unlawful. It also restricts provocative speeches, slogans, and gestures that could disturb peace and harmony, as well as the possession of lathis and sharp weapons.