Controversy Erupts Over Minority Status Demands for Vaishno Devi Medical College

Hindu rights groups, led by the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Sangharsh Samiti, have intensified protests seeking minority status for Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Medical College following the NEET selection list revealing a Muslim majority among selected candidates. They demand policy changes, alleging funds are favoring the Muslim majority over the Hindu minority in Jammu & Kashmir.

The protest against Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Medical College's admission policies gained momentum as Hindu rights groups, led by Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Sangharsh Samiti (SMVSS), intensified their demand for minority status. Tensions arose after the recent NEET selection list showed a Muslim majority among admitted candidates.

SMVSS, along with Sanatan Dharma Sabha and Jammu Kashmir Sanatan Samaj Nyas, expressed dissatisfaction with the shrine board's policies, claiming they don't reflect the spiritual and cultural sentiments of the Hindu community. Mahant Rameshwar Dass emphasized that the movement concerns faith and existence, while Mahant Rajesh Bittoo alleged misuse of donations for benefiting the majority community.

The agitation, supported by political groups like BJP and VHP, seeks a revision of admissions at the medical college, limited to Hindu students. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah countered, stating that merit, not religion, should govern admissions, suggesting earlier minority status registration if community-specific admissions were intended.

(With inputs from agencies.)