Jammu, December 5, 2025 : Tension over admissions at the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence (SMVDIME) escalated on Friday as several Hindu right-wing organisations staged a major protest march in Jammu, demanding the shifting of Muslim students from the institute and reservation of seats exclusively for Hindu students.
The protest was organised under the banner of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Sangharsh Samiti (SMVDSS). Demonstrators marched through city streets, raising slogans against Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, and also burnt an effigy of the Chief Minister.
Later, the protesters staged a dharna at Maharaja Hari Singh Samarak near the Tawi Bridge, briefly disrupting traffic movement in the area.
Addressing the media, SMVDSS Convenor Col (Retd) Sukhvir Mankotia said the agitation was forced due to the alleged failure of the government and the Shrine Board to address the community’s concerns.
“They should have called us for talks to reach an amicable solution. If the matter is not resolved immediately, we can move to any extent to ensure justice for the community,” Mankotia said.
Reacting sharply to the Chief Minister’s assertion that admissions were made purely on merit, Mankotia termed the statement “wrong and shameful”. He clarified that the Samiti does not seek harm to students already admitted but strongly objects to the manner in which the entire admission process was handled.
He further asserted that institutions established by temple boards must function in accordance with Sanatan Dharma and Hindu sentiments.
“We do not want the neglect of the Hindu community in institutions built from donations given by Hindus. What is happening appears to be a well-planned strategy to weaken the community and its religious institutions in Jammu and Kashmir,” he alleged.
The controversy erupted following the selection of 42 Muslim, 1 Sikh and 7 Hindu candidates for the 50 sanctioned MBBS seats for the 2025–26 academic session, with admissions conducted through the NEET merit list.
The agitation is being spearheaded by the SMVSS, a collective of several Hindu organisations. Over the past few weeks, dozens of protests have been held across Jammu and adjoining regions by the BJP, VHP, Bajrang Dal, Shiv Sena, Dogra Front, and the Samiti against the medical college located in Reasi district.
Earlier, the BJP had submitted a memorandum to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, urging him to restrict admissions at the institute to Hindu students and to seek intervention from the National Medical Commission (NMC).
