Jammu, Jan 6: In a preemptive security measure, police sealed the Civil Secretariat in Jammu on Tuesday to prevent any potential protests by the newly formed Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Sangharsh Samiti, officials confirmed.
The anticipated demonstration was centered around MBBS admissions at the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence (SMVDIME). The Sangharsh Samiti has leveled serious allegations of religious bias against the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, claiming discrimination in the admission of non-Hindu students to the prestigious medical institution.
The group has put forth stringent demands, calling for either complete rescission of the current admission process or outright closure of the medical college. Furthermore, the organization has warned of intensified agitation, threatening to launch signature campaigns and organize boycotts if their demands are not met.
Hundreds of police personnel, including officers of senior ranks, were strategically deployed outside the Civil Secretariat complex to maintain law and order and prevent any breach of security. The deployment was carried out under the supervision of top police brass to ensure complete control over the situation.
“No protesters will be allowed to come anywhere near the Secretariat premises,” a police official told news agency Kashmir News Trust, emphasizing the strict security cordon established around the high-security zone.
The Civil Secretariat area was effectively sealed off, with multiple layers of security personnel positioned at all entry and exit points. Barricades were erected and vehicle movement was regulated to prevent any gathering or assembly near the government complex.
Leaders of the Sangharsh Samiti have expanded their allegations beyond the admission controversy, accusing the shrine board of misusing shrine funds meant for religious and charitable purposes. The group has actively sought intervention from senior BJP leaders and approached the office of the Lieutenant Governor, demanding immediate action on their grievances.
Several right-wing organizations have extended support to the Sangharsh Samiti’s campaign, raising objections to the admission process and attempting to portray the issue as a matter of religious and cultural significance. These groups have been mobilizing support through social media platforms and community gatherings, trying to build momentum around the controversy.
The involvement of multiple organizations has added a political dimension to what is essentially an administrative matter related to medical college admissions. Observers note that the timing of the protests and the nature of allegations suggest attempts to communalize the admission process.
However, the Jammu and Kashmir government has issued a categorical rebuttal of all allegations, firmly stating that admissions at SMVDIME have been conducted strictly on merit-based criteria without any consideration of religious affiliations.
Official sources emphasized that the selection process adheres meticulously to prescribed norms and regulations that govern medical admissions across India. The admission procedure follows guidelines established by the National Medical Commission (NMC) and other relevant regulatory bodies, ensuring transparency and fairness.
“All admissions have been carried out purely on merit. Religion has no role whatsoever in the selection process,” a senior official stated, dismissing the allegations as baseless and politically motivated.
The government has maintained that SMVDIME, like all other medical institutions in the country, follows a standardized admission protocol based on entrance examination scores, academic performance, and other merit-based parameters. Documentation and records of the entire admission process are available for scrutiny, officials added.
Authorities confirmed that the situation in Jammu remained peaceful throughout the day, with no incidents of violence or unrest reported. The heavy security deployment served its purpose as a deterrent, preventing any attempts at unauthorized gatherings or demonstrations.
The security arrangements were implemented as a precautionary measure to maintain public order in the sensitive high-security zone where the Civil Secretariat is located. Police officials said they will continue monitoring the situation closely and maintain heightened security until the threat of protests subsides.
Senior police officers held multiple coordination meetings with intelligence agencies and civil administration officials to assess the ground situation and ensure that no law and order issues arise from the controversy.
The administration has appealed to all stakeholders to maintain peace and resolve any grievances through proper legal and administrative channels rather than resorting to protests or agitations.
