JAMMU: In a significant boost to the ongoing agitation over MBBS admissions at the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence (SMVDIME), Katra, the amalgam of various social, political and religious organisations led by Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Sangharsh Samiti on Wednesday secured unconditional support from two of Jammu’s strongest business bodies — the All J&K Transport Welfare Association and the Nehru Market Traders Federation.
The backing from transporters and traders has infused fresh strength into the movement and is expected to make the impending Bandh call a major public action in Jammu.
Led by Convener Colonel Sukhvir Singh Mankotia and Parshotam Dadhichi of the Sanatan Dharma Sabha, the Sangharsh Samiti held back-to-back meetings with representatives of both organisations, formally seeking their cooperation in the agitation. The discussions culminated in unanimous approval for full participation in the December 15 Bandh announced by the transport unions.
Transporters and traders not only endorsed the Bandh but also declared complete solidarity with the Samiti’s demands concerning admissions at SMVDIME. The associations termed the agitation a fight for public rights, asserting that the issue affects every household in Jammu.
Colonel Mankotia hailed the decision of the business bodies, calling the support a pivotal moment for the movement.
“This unity shows our agitation represents the voice of the common citizen. Transporters and traders are the economic backbone of Jammu, and their support is a moral victory. We will continue our peaceful struggle until justice is delivered,” he said.
Reinforcing the sentiment, Parshotam Dadhichi said society stands strongest when united.
“When all sections come together with one objective, no challenge remains big. Whether it is a ‘Chakka Jaam’ or any other democratic step, we stand ready. The Sangharsh Samiti will ensure full participation in the Bandh,” he stated.
Transport Association Chairman Karan Singh Wazir confirmed that Matadors, Tempos, E-rickshaws and all affiliated transport unions will observe a complete shutdown on Monday.
“The transport community believes the Samiti’s demands are justified. We will halt all vehicles to express solidarity because this issue concerns our future and that of the public,” Wazir said.
Deepak Gupta, President of the Nehru Market Traders Federation, announced that all shops in the market will remain closed in support of the bandh.
“Trade and development can happen only when citizens’ rights are safeguarded. The business community stands firmly with the Samiti, and we will ensure this agitation reaches its rightful conclusion,” he said.
Members from both transport and trade bodies, including Akshay and Abhishek Gupta of the Nehru Market Traders Federation, also participated in the deliberations and expressed their commitment to the movement.
The Sangharsh Samiti will hold a core group meeting on December 11 to finalise its next course of action. With widespread backing from transporters and traders, the committee is now preparing to scale up its strategy to intensify the agitation in the coming days.
