Jammu: The controversy surrounding admissions at the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Medical College has escalated further with the Yuva Rajput Sabha launching a hunger strike in Jammu on Monday, demanding either cancellation of the recent admissions or closure of the medical institute.
The protest marks the latest development in a row that erupted after the completion of the most recent admission process, conducted strictly under the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test framework. As per official records, admissions were granted purely on merit norms, resulting in several Muslim students securing seats based on higher merit rankings.
The selection triggered objections from certain groups, who alleged that the admission outcome did not reflect what they termed as a balanced representation. Protesters claimed that students from particular communities were allegedly disadvantaged, despite the admissions being conducted through a centralised and regulated process.
Academic sources and student bodies, however, have categorically rejected these allegations, stating that the admission process is religion-neutral and entirely merit-driven. They pointed out that the counselling and seat allotment followed nationally prescribed norms, leaving no scope for discretionary or selective admissions. “The system does not record religion. Selection is based solely on merit, category and eligibility,” a senior academic official said.
Legal experts have also cautioned that cancelling admissions secured on merit would violate constitutional principles of equality and fairness, besides undermining the integrity of competitive examinations. They warned that such demands could set a dangerous precedent by questioning lawful admissions after due process.
The hunger strike has heightened tensions in Jammu, prompting close monitoring by the administration to ensure law and order. Officials have indicated that admissions made as per established rules cannot be annulled without solid legal grounds.
The protesters, seated with placards and banners, alleged injustice in the admission outcome and raised slogans seeking immediate intervention by the authorities. The hunger strike marked an escalation of the ongoing dispute over the merit-based selection process, with the group warning that the agitation would continue if their demands were not addressed. [KNT]
