Jammu: Tensions escalate over MBBS admissions in SMVDIME.

Hindu Groups Demand Shifting Of Students, Hold March In SMVDIME Admission Row.

Upendra Bharti | HENB | Jammu | Nov 5, 2025:: A heated controversy has erupted in Jammu over the admission process at the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence (SMVDIME), with Hindu groups accusing the institution of favoring Muslim students. The row began after 42 out of 50 MBBS seats were allotted to Muslim candidates, sparking widespread protests and demands for reservation of seats for Hindu students.

Protests and Demonstrations

Several Hindu right-wing groups, including the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Sangharsh Samiti, BJP, VHP, Bajrang Dal, and Shiv Sena, have taken to the streets, demanding the shifting of Muslim students and reservation of seats for Hindu students. The protesters have also targeted Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, burning an effigy of the CM and staging a dharna.

BJP’s Intervention

The BJP has taken the issue to the national level, with a high-level delegation meeting Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda in New Delhi. The delegation, led by J&K BJP President Sat Sharma, urged Nadda to intervene in the matter and ensure that admissions are made in a fair and transparent manner. Nadda has ordered a legal review of the matter and may summon J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to discuss the issue.

Government’s Stance

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has maintained that admissions should be based on merit and fairness, without any consideration of religion. He emphasized that educational opportunities must remain free from any religious discrimination. But he could not answer anything on why the maximum Muslim educational institutions reserved almost 90% seats exclusively for Muslim students across the country.

While maintaining a firm hold on Muslim-controlled institutions, Muslims are now attempting to gain control over Hindu-run institutions in J&K by leveraging merit narratives in a potentially conspiratorial manner.

Community’s Concerns

The controversy has highlighted the concerns of the Hindu community in Jammu, who feel that their sentiments are not being considered in the admission process. The community has been protesting against the alleged favoritism shown to Muslim students, demanding that seats be reserved for Hindu students in the medical institute.

Way Forward

The issue is likely to be closely watched in the coming days, with the BJP and other Hindu groups vowing to continue their protests until their demands are met. The government will have to navigate the complex issue of ensuring fairness and transparency in the admission process while also addressing the concerns of the Hindu community.
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_Agency Inputs.