JAMMU JAN 08: The SMVD Sangharsh Samiti and various Jammu-based organizations celebrated the National Medical Commission’s decision to withdraw the Letter of Permission (LoP) granted to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence (SMVDIME), while the ruling National Conference and several political leaders expressed serious concerns over the development and its impact on medical education in the region.
The Sangharsh Samiti and a large gathering of supporters organized a grand victory procession through Jammu city to the beats of traditional drums. The jubilant rally started from Parade Ground, passed through various city routes, and culminated at the historic Shri Raghunath Temple, where members offered prayers and expressed gratitude for what they termed a successful movement.
Addressing media persons after a Core Group meeting, Sangharsh Samiti Convener Colonel Sukhvir Singh Mankotia extended special thanks to Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Union Health Minister J P Nadda, describing the NMC’s decision as a “victory for justice.” He appealed to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to issue clear directives to the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board to ensure full respect for Sanatan Dharma traditions and culture within the institution.
Mankotia clarified that the Samiti’s objective was not merely to protest but to protect religion and dignity. Parshotam Dadhichi added that any sharp remarks made against the Lieutenant Governor during the agitation should be viewed only as public outcry in the heat of the moment.
Yuva Rajput Sabha President Mandeep Singh, along with members, celebrated the development near the statue of Maharaja Hari Singh with drums and music, distributing sweet halwa to the public. Singh emphasized their commitment to fighting for Jammu’s rights and called upon the Dogra community to stand united in every struggle for a brighter future.
Former minister and senior BJP leader Ajatshatru Singh termed the NMC’s action as timely and in the larger interest of students and public health. He lauded the sustained and peaceful efforts of the Sangharsh Samiti and praised Union Health Minister J P Nadda’s role in the decision.
The Dogra Brahman Pratinidhi Sabha, in an emergency meeting chaired by President Ved Parkash Sharma, described the cancellation as a significant victory for nationalist forces. The organization extended gratitude to the Prime Minister, Union Health Minister, and Lieutenant Governor for facilitating the decision. Senior BJP leader Nanak Chand Sharma and Tawi Andolan Chief Advocate Chander Mohan Sharma demanded the establishment of a Sanskrit College in place of the cancelled medical institution.
Pt Jeeva Nand Sharma, National Spokesperson and President of Rashtriya Parshuram Parishad, characterized the move as a long-overdue victory for transparency, emphasizing that devotee donations to Mata Bhagwati are sacred and must be utilized exclusively for preserving and promoting Sanatan Sanskriti.
Jai Ghosh Foundation President Deepak Handoo stated that the decisive action is widely seen as the result of sustained public pressure and institutional accountability efforts led by the Sangharsh Samiti and allied organizations.
Congress raised serious questions over the closure, pointing to several shortcomings identified by the Medical Council Commission following controversy over the admission of majority candidates from the majority community. The party termed it a cover-up for the failure of BJP chief J P Nadda, who heads the Union Health Ministry, and the SMVDS Board management. Congress demanded that BJP explain the benefits of closing what could have been a premier medical institute in the region.
JKPCC Chief Tariq Hameed Karra termed the situation “very unfortunate,” stating that a premier medical institute named after Holy Mata Vaishno Devi, which could have become one of the finest institutions given its financial backing, has been closed for political reasons to cover up initial faults and failures. He criticized authorities for not granting minority status to the institute and questioned why, after spending crores of rupees, the institution was shut down instead of rectifying mistakes.
Karra appealed to people to question BJP’s decision, calling it unwise and against regional interests. He accused BJP of closing the institute for vote bank politics while asking people to celebrate, questioning what exactly they should celebrate.
National Conference Provincial President Jammu, Rattan Lal Gupta, expressed grave concern over the NMC’s decision, terming it a clear case of administrative failure and political apathy for which the BJP-led Central Government and Lieutenant Governor’s Administration are solely responsible. He stated that the decision has jeopardized the future of hundreds of medical aspirants and demanded immediate corrective measures to meet all NMC requirements and urgent restoration of permission to SMVDIME.
Former Cabinet Minister and Apni Party Senior Vice President Ghulam Hassan Mir expressed serious concern and questioned the NMC’s decision-making process. “The NMC must answer an important question—why was SMVDIME earlier declared eligible to function as a medical college, and why has it now been found ineligible within a year’s time? Who will take responsibility for the suffering of students now facing uncertainty?” he asked.
Senior Congress leader and DDC Suchetgarh Taranjit Singh Tony launched a scathing attack on BJP, RSS-backed organizations, and the Sangharsh Samiti, terming the withdrawal of permission as a “black chapter and black day in the educational history of Jammu & Kashmir.” He accused the decision of crushing age-old values of brotherhood and fraternity, replacing them with communal hatred, deceit, and dirty politics engineered by the BJP-RSS nexus.
