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Jammu Protests Over Vaishno Devi Medical College Admissions Escalate as Groups Seek Hindu Reservation

Officials maintain the inaugural MBBS list was based solely on NEET merit.

Overview

  • The institute’s first MBBS list names 42 Muslim, one Sikh and seven Hindu candidates for 50 seats selected through NEET.
  • Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Sangharsh Samiti led a rally that blocked the Tawi Bridge, burned effigies of the chief minister and the Shrine Board, and demanded revocation of the list or reserved seats for Hindus.
  • Samiti convenor Col Sukhvir Singh Mankotia called the drive a matter of faith and argued that a ₹600 crore, devotee-funded college should prioritize adherents of Sanatan Dharma.
  • Deputy Chief Minister Surender Chaudhary said admissions were based on merit through NEET and urged that education not be viewed through a religious lens.
  • The BJP petitioned Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to limit admissions to Hindu students and to seek National Medical Commission intervention, as protest leaders warned of escalating agitation.