Political Worker Booked Under PSA in Doda; Labeled as ‘OGW’ Despite Shift to Civil Politics

DODA, April 11: Mohd Rafi Sheikh alias Pinka, a politically active resident of Phagsoo village in Doda district of J&K’s Chenab Valley, has been detained under the Public Safety Act (PSA) and shifted to District Jail Udhampur. The preventive detention, executed on orders of the District Magistrate, is based on a police dossier that characterizes Mr. Sheikh as an Over Ground Worker (OGW), a term historically associated with insurgency-linked civilian collaborators in Jammu and Kashmir. The official note alleges that his actions posed a threat to public order and incited communal discord in Thathri, a sub district in Doda and adjoining areas.

However, the application of the OGW label has raised questions among observers, as it appears inconsistent with Mr. Sheikh’s recent public profile. In recent years, he has emerged as a visible figure in local politics and grassroots civic activism. Though previously associated with the Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party—where he served as Block Gen. Secretary in Doda—he no longer holds any position within the party. During the 2024 Assembly elections, Mr. Sheikh was prominently seen campaigning for Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Mehraj Malik, who currently represents Doda in the Legislative Assembly. His open support for Mr. Malik marked a notable shift in political alignment.

In addition to his political engagement, Mr. Sheikh has contested grassroots elections for the positions of Sarpanch and District Development Council (DDC) member, and runs a small shop in the Phagsoo area. His consistent presence in public discourse and participation in demonstrations—including his detention during a protest in Doda—have made him a recognisable civic actor in the region.

In December 2021, Mr. Sheikh reportedly raised allegations of irregularities in the Integrated Watershed Management Programme (IWMP) in Doda. Speaking to The Chenab Times at the time, he claimed that after filing a formal complaint, his forged signature was used to withdraw it—an act he alleged was meant to suppress the matter and shield those involved. Although the case did not proceed formally, it marked the beginning of what some associates view as sustained administrative targeting.

The police dossier includes multiple First Information Reports (FIRs) and Daily Diary Reports (DDRs) filed over several years, citing charges such as inflammatory speeches, obstruction of government officials, and attempts to disrupt administrative events. While several of these cases have concluded with acquittals or discharges, authorities have cited a “continued pattern of defiance” to justify invoking the PSA.

Notably, the official press note issued by the District Information Office reiterates the OGW label but does not contextualise Mr. Sheikh’s transition into electoral and civic engagement, nor does it cite recent evidence linking him to militant networks. Critics argue that the terminology appears dated and incongruous with the profile of an individual now engaged primarily in political organising and public protest.

Legal observers have underscored the importance of applying preventive detention laws such as the PSA with caution, warning that their misuse could conflate political opposition with threats to security. As of now, neither the Aam Aadmi Party nor MLA Mehraj Malik has issued a formal response to the detention.
The development has stirred quiet discussion within Doda, particularly among those familiar with Mr. Sheikh’s trajectory—from his misrepresentation in a 2022 national media report as a mosque cleric (a claim later debunked by Alt News), to his increasingly visible role in civil politics. The omission of these aspects in the official narrative has led to concerns over selective framing and the use of administrative tools to curtail democratic participation.

Meanwhile, on April 10 after Mr. Sheikh’s arrest, Doda MLA Mehraj Malik published a post on Facebook expressing concern over the detention of individuals allegedly targeted for their political affiliations. “Administration and Police in Distt Doda are targeting innocent people who support us. It won’t be tolerated now. Let us live with Peace. Don’t create law and order problem here,” he wrote. While the post did not name Mr. Sheikh directly, its timing has led to speculation that it was a reference to the PSA detention.

Mr. Sheikh remains in judicial custody as of this report, with no update yet on legal proceedings or any petition challenging the PSA order.

In a related instance, in November 2024, environmental activist Rehmatullah Padder was also detained under the PSA in Doda district. Padder, associated with a local NGO, had recently raised concerns over alleged mismanagement of waste disposal near residential areas. His detention, similarly justified through past FIRs and the use of the OGW label, drew criticism from civil society groups who viewed the action as an attempt to suppress environmental advocacy and public accountability.

Follow us on

Anzer Ayoob

Anzer Ayoob is the Founder and Chief Editor to The Chenab Times