10 months ago
J&K CM Warns of Radicalism Over Medical College Admissions
There is a big argument in Jammu and Kashmir about who can study at a new medical college.
The college, called Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence, has 50 seats for MBBS students.
This year, 42 students from one community got in based on their test scores.
But some people, including the opposition leader, want the college to only accept students who believe in Mata Vaishno Devi.
The Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, says this is unfair and could make people angry and turn to radicalism.
He argues that the college should accept students based on merit, not religion.
He also says that if Muslim students are not allowed to study here, they might go elsewhere and get radicalized, which would be the fault of those who denied them admission.
J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah warns that denying Muslim students admission to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence could push them towards radicalism.
Opposition leader Sunil Kumar Sharma demands cancellation of the current admission list and reservation of seats for students who have faith in Mata Vaishno Devi.
The institute has 50 MBBS seats, with 42 students from a particular community admitted based on merit.
Abdullah argues that the college should accept students based on merit, not religion, and that denying admission could lead to radicalization.
The Chief Minister states that the college was intended to be an institution of excellence based on merit, not a minority institution.
- Who
- Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Opposition Leader Sunil Kumar Sharma
- What
- Controversy over admissions to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence
- Where
- Nagrota, Jammu and Kashmir
- When
- November 25, 2025
- Why
- Demands for minority institution status and concerns over merit-based admissions
Key facts
- Institute Name
- Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence
- Total Seats
- 50 MBBS seats
- Controversial Admissions
- 42 students from a particular community
- Academic Year
- 2025-26
- Demand by Opposition
- Minority institution status for the institute
- Chief Minister
- Omar Abdullah
- Opposition Leader
- Sunil Kumar Sharma
- Lieutenant Governor
- Manoj Sinha
Quotes
Tanvir Sadiq
NC’s chief spokesman and MLA
“he conveniently ignores a key fact that the J&K government gives grant-in-aid to the university, and this medical college is affiliated with it. Rs 24 crore last year, Rs 28 crore this year.”
thestatesman.com
“This clearly proves the institution isn’t running on donations alone. And when public money is involved, every citizen of this UT has an equal right to be there – irrespective of religion or background”
thestatesman.com
Girdhari Lal Raina
Former BJP MLC
“The chief minister must check facts before expressing sectarian emotions. There are more than sufficient Muslim employees, including doctors, working in the SMVD University and the Shrine Board”
thestatesman.com
“the Hindu community — a minority in J&K — deserves respect, dignity, and protection of its aspirations, not bullying and majoritarian authoritarianism”
thestatesman.com
