Civil Secretariat Jammu sealed following protest call over SMVDIME admissions

Jammu, Jan 06: Police on Tuesday sealed the Civil Secretariat in Jammu to foil any attempt of protest by the recently formed Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Sangharsh Samiti, officials said.

The protest call was linked to MBBS admissions at the SMVD Institute of Medical Excellence, with the Sangharsh Samiti alleging religious bias by the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board in the admission of non-Hindu students. The group has demanded rescission of the admission process or closure of the medical college, while also threatening escalation through signature campaigns and boycotts.

Officials said hundreds of police personnel, led by senior officers, were deployed outside the Civil Secretariat to prevent any law and order situation. A police official told the news agency Kashmir News Trust that no protesters would be allowed to come anywhere near the Secretariat premises.

Leaders of the Sangharsh Samiti have also alleged misuse of shrine funds and have sought intervention from BJP leaders and the Lt Governor. Right wing organizations have raised objections to the admission process, attempting to project it as a contentious issue.

However, the government has categorically stated that all admissions at the medical college have been carried out strictly on the basis of merit and not on the basis of religion. Officials reiterated that the selection process follows prescribed norms and regulations applicable to medical admissions.

Authorities said the situation remained under control, with security arrangements put in place as a precautionary measure to maintain public order in the high security zone. [KNT]