Protests Intensify Over Admissions at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Medical College

Jammu : The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Sangharsh Samiti (SMVSS) organized widespread protests across Jammu region on Wednesday, demanding the cancellation of admissions of Muslim students to the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence (SMVDIME) in Reasi district and reservation of seats exclusively for Hindu students, similar to practices in certain Muslim and Sikh minority institutions.

The protests emerge amid continuing opposition by several organisations to the admission process at the medical college, where a majority of MBBS seats were reportedly secured by Muslim students, mostly from Kashmir, through the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) merit list last month. Protesters alleged that the outcome was part of a “larger conspiracy” against the institution and called for a thorough probe into the admissions.

According to SMVSS leaders, demonstrations have been held for over a fortnight, with growing participation from social and religious groups. On Wednesday, protests were reported from Jammu, Kathua, Reasi, Katra, Rajouri, Samba, Ramban, Udhampur, Kishtwar, Bhaderwah and Doda.

Raising slogans and carrying placards, demonstrators urged the government to review the admission policy and ensure what they termed as “fair representation” in the institution. They also submitted memoranda to local authorities at various places, warning of intensified agitation if their demands are not addressed.

The protests, ongoing for over two weeks and involving groups like VHP and Bajrang Dal, have drawn criticism for communal overtones. Authorities defend the admissions as strictly merit-based under NEET guidelines, with no provision for religious quotas as the institute lacks minority status. No official decision has yet been announced in response to the demands raised by the protesting groups. Classes will continue normally at the campus amid the agitation.