Vaishno Devi medical college row intensifies as J&K government counters protests over Muslim students’ admission

Srinagar: The political and communal storm surrounding admissions to the Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence (SMVDIME) has escalated, with the ruling National Conference strongly countering right-wing groups opposing the entry of Muslim students.

The party has clarified that the institute receives substantial financial support from the Jammu & Kashmir government, making it a public-funded institution that must offer equal access to all citizens regardless of religion.

Tanvir Sadiq, chief spokesperson of the J&K National Conference and a close aide of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, said the administration has consistently allocated crores of rupees to the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University (SMVDU), with which the medical college is affiliated.

“Last year, the university received ₹24 crore in government aid, and this year ₹28 crore has been allocated. This proves the institution does not run solely on religious donations,” Sadiq said. “When public money is involved, every citizen—Hindu, Muslim or otherwise—has an equal right to admission.”

The controversy erupted after SMVDIME, located in Kakryal, Reasi district, admitted 50 students for the 2025–26 MBBS batch through NEET and BOPEE. Of these, 42 students are Muslims. The merit-based selections triggered protests from BJP leaders and several right-wing organisations, including Bajrang Dal, VHP, Yuva Rajput Sabha and Movement Kalki, who claim the college is funded by Hindu devotees and should prioritise Hindu students.

J&K BJP leader and Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma argued that only those who have faith in Vaishno Devi should study there. A BJP delegation also met Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, demanding a review of admission procedures and a “transparent system” aligned with devotees’ sentiments.

Responding to these claims, NC spokesperson Imran Nabi Dar posted proof of government grants on X, reiterating that SMVDU is a publicly funded university where admissions are strictly merit-based. “Some institutions in India still function on merit, not religious identity,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Vaishno Devi Sangharsh Samiti, a conglomerate of 60 organisations, has demanded that the admission list be cancelled. Its convener, Col. (Retd.) Sukhbir Singh Mankotia, claimed that the institute was built from donations offered by Hindu devotees, and the selection of 42 Muslim students “hurt religious sentiments.”

Mankotia warned of mass street protests if the admission list is not withdrawn. “Muslims do not believe in idol worship. How can they study in an institution built from the offerings of idol worshippers?” he argued, threatening “intense agitations” unless authorities intervene.

The dispute has rapidly taken on political, religious and social dimensions, putting pressure on the administration to strike a balance between constitutional guarantees of equal opportunity and growing polarisation on the ground.

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