SMVDIME admission row: Sangharsh Samiti Ramban unit protests against SMVDSB

Ramban, Dec 2: The newly formed Ramban unit of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Sangharsh Samiti on Tuesday held a protest rally against the management of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University (SMVDU), Katra.

They demanded reservation of maximum MBBS seats for Hindu candidates at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence (SMVDIME), Katra.

The protesters claimed that the institution had favoured candidates from a particular community while ignoring Hindu community.

Led by district president Surinder Singh, a large gathering of activists assembled at Dak Bungalow Ramban under the banner of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Sangharsh Samiti unit Ramban and marched through the old town, raising slogans against the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, and the management of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University (SMVDU), Katra.

The protesters carried banners and placards, alleging irregularities in the seat-allocation process for the upcoming MBBS session 2025-26 at SMVDIME.

The Samiti leaders argued that the medical college was established by the Shrine Board using donations contributed by Hindu pilgrims.

Some participants went to the extent of demanding that the institution should admit only Hindu candidates, though senior members of the Samiti refrained from endorsing such calls publicly.

The protest comes amid ongoing controversy following reports that 42 Muslim, one Sikh, and seven Hindu candidates qualified for the 50 MBBS seats for the 2025–26 session through the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET).

Similar demonstrations were recently held in several districts across the Jammu region.

Addressing the gathering, Surinder Singh alleged that deserving aspirants from the Hindu community were being overlooked.

“We strongly object to the manner in which MBBS admissions are being handled in SMVD Medical College. Eligible students from our religion are being ignored, and such a biased approach must stop immediately,” he said. Singh urged the Lieutenant Governor’s administration and the central government to intervene and ensure maximum admission of Hindu candidates.

The protestors warned that their agitation would intensify if the concerns raised by the organization were not addressed promptly.

They also announced plans to approach higher authorities to seek resolution to the issue raised by them.

The rally concluded peacefully at T-Chowk Ramban, with members reiterating their commitment to continue their struggle.