JAMMU – Protests have intensified across the Jammu region, demanding the cancellation of Muslim student admissions to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Medical College (SMVDMC). The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Sangharsh Samiti (SMVSS) leads these protests, also calling for reserved seats for Hindu students. Their demand seeks to establish reservations mirroring those found in Muslim and Sikh minority institutions.
The controversy ignited last month after the SMVDMC, located in Reasi district, completed admissions for its inaugural MBBS batch. Out of 50 total seats, 42 Muslim candidates secured admission through the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) merit list. Most of these admitted students are from Kashmir. Seven Hindu students from Jammu and one Sikh student also gained admission.
Protesters allege a “major conspiracy” surrounding the admissions. They demand a thorough probe into the selection process, asserting that the current outcome is unjust. The SMVSS has vowed to continue its agitation until the admission decision is reversed.
For over two weeks, numerous organizations have joined the protests. Demonstrations have occurred in major towns and districts, including Jammu, Kathua, Reasi, Katra, Rajouri, Samba, Ramban, Udhampur, Kishtwar, Bhaderwah, and Doda. The Jammu Bar Association stands among the groups actively participating in the widespread agitation.
Protest actions have been direct and visible. In Kathua, demonstrators publicly burned an effigy representing the government. Throughout the region, participants have raised strong slogans, expressing deep resentment against both the government and the shrine board responsible for the medical college’s administration.
Colonel Sukhvir Singh Mankotia, convener for the SMVSS, highlighted the scale of the public outcry. He stated that approximately 40,000 to 50,000 people participated across more than 40 locations throughout the division. Mankotia reiterated the SMVSS’s firm stance: they will not stop until this “unjust decision” is overturned and a more equitable admission policy is established.
The SMVSS argues the current admission breakdown does not reflect the demographic composition of the region. They advocate for a structured reservation policy to ensure fair representation for Hindu students. This demand seeks a reevaluation of the entire admission process, focusing on perceived imbalances.
Admissions for the medical college were finalized using the NEET merit list. NEET is a national examination, serving as the gateway for admission to medical courses across India. While the process is merit-based, local groups question the final distribution of seats within this specific institution.
Admission Breakdown: Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Medical College
The composition of the inaugural MBBS batch at SMVDMC is central to the ongoing protests:
| Student Category | Number Admitted | Percentage of Batch |
|---|---|---|
| Muslim Students | 42 | 84% |
| Hindu Students | 7 | 14% |
| Sikh Students | 1 | 2% |
| Total Students Admitted | 50 | 100% |
The protests remain active. Community leaders insist on sustained agitation until their demands for revised admissions and a dedicated reservation policy for Hindu students are met. As of now, no official statement has been released by the college administration or government officials addressing the allegations or demands directly.