The National Conference (NC) has accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of jeopardizing the future of aspiring doctors at the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence in Katra. The NC's Tanvir Sadiq, speaking in Srinagar, criticized the BJP's handling of the situation, arguing that it played a dangerous game with the prospects of young doctors. The controversy arose when the National Medical Commission (NMC) withdrew the Letter of Permission (LoP) for the MBBS program due to protests by Hindu groups, who objected to the majority of seats being allocated to Muslim candidates.
Sadiq emphasized the impact on students, stating that while 40-45 Muslim students and 6-7 Hindu students had already enrolled, the institute had the potential to produce thousands of doctors in the future. He accused the BJP of prioritizing political interests over the well-being of these students, especially at a time when youth empowerment should be a priority. The NC's stance is further supported by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah's statement that political parties rarely act to shut down educational institutions, making this a unique and concerning case.
The BJP's involvement in the protests, claiming that the admissions hurt Hindu sentiments due to the institute's connection to the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, has been a point of contention. Sadiq questioned the BJP's leaders, including Sunil Sharma and Sat Sharma, for their meetings with senior leaders in Delhi, suggesting that the party is prioritizing religious interests over the educational future of the region's youth. He also highlighted the opposition of the people of Jammu, including students and girls, to the BJP's actions, emphasizing the desire for a secure future for all children, regardless of their religious background.
