Mysterious hair chopping in Chenab Valley : DM Doda restricts entry of labourers, strangers

DODA ,SEPT 19: Amid growing incidents of braids being cut off , District administration in Doda district in Chenab valley have temporarily banned the entry of outside labourers and also banned the gathering of more than five persons by announcing the Section 144 to "prevent" more braid-chopping incidents in the area .District Magistrate Doda Bhawani Rakhwal ordered an immediate two-month ban on the entry of outside labourers and strangers and also directed to police register all outsiders in their respective jurisdiction ."I, District Magistrate Doda Bhawani Rakhwal authorized by section 144 of CrPC , do hereby impose ban on the entry of strangers/unknown persons, pheriwalas, baazigars, Pathans, scent sellers, sadhus, beggars, babas, labourers and street hackers from outside the state without prior permission of the magistrate for period of two months," said an order, issued by DDC Doda here today .DDC Doda informed that rising cases of braid chopping has spread a wave of terror among the residents of Doda district which also included Bhaderwah , especially among the women folk.At least three dozen cases have been reported to the Doda Police, including six from Bhadarwah,four from Assar ,three from Khara , three from Charlla , three from Doda, One from Marmat and two from Gandoh during past three weeks .He also appealed to the masses for help to identify the suspects so that they can be brought to book.It is worthwhile to mention here that these bizarre happenings of braid chopping have left the villagers in panic mode.