Mehbooba Mufti Calls for Merit-Based Medical Admissions Amid J&K Row
PDP president Mehbooba Mufti urged leaders to protect merit-based medical admissions in Jammu and Kashmir. She said that dividing seats on religious lines could damage harmony. According to her, such demands may also affect the rest of the country.
How the Controversy Began
The debate grew after Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Medical College filled its first MBBS batch. The college admitted 42 Muslim students, seven Hindu students, and one Sikh student based on the NEET merit list. The Jammu and Kashmir Board of Professional Entrance Examination oversaw the process. As a result, several groups began protesting in Jammu and nearby areas. They demanded a probe and claimed that a conspiracy influenced the selection.
Mehbooba Mufti’s Response
Mufti spoke to reporters during her visit to Katra. She travelled on the Vande Bharat train from Srinagar for a local event. She said the demand for religious quotas was unfair. In addition, she reminded people that earlier universities in the region were built on a simple idea: students with merit should get admission. She noted that Mata Vaishno Devi University continues to perform well, while Baba Ghulam Shah University is facing some challenges.
She added that Jammu has always welcomed everyone. Therefore, she believes the region must continue to promote unity. She also expressed concern about rising divisive debates and said such issues can weaken trust.
Voices on the Ground
Many local groups held demonstrations against the admission list. They argued that the majority of seats went to students from Kashmir. However, Mufti insisted that inclusive policies create stronger communities.
She ended her remarks by sharing her appreciation for the train journey and recalled visiting Katra during her college days.
