KATRA: In a sharp escalation of tensions over the MBBS seats issue at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence (SMVDIME), the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Sangharsh Samiti on Monday staged a major protest in Katra town, warning the Shrine Board authorities that its ongoing peaceful agitation could take a more aggressive turn if demands are not met.
Meanwhile, security personnel were deployed in large numbers across Katra as the protest swelled, with barricades erected near the Shrine Board office to prevent any attempt by the crowd to march toward the complex.
The demonstration, supported by multiple religious and social groups, marked one of the strongest public pushbacks against the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) in recent months.
Led by Convener Col Sukhvir Singh Mankotia, the protest saw participation from Sanatan Dharma Sabha President Parshotam Dadhichi, Yuva Rajput Sabha President Mandeep Chib, Vishwa Hindu Parishad general secretary Abhishek Gupta, Sanatan Dharma Sabha general secretary Sanjay Gupta and several others. After the demonstration, a delegation from the Samiti met a representative of the Shrine Board administration.
Speaking to the media after the meeting, Col Mankotia said the Deputy CEO informed them that the issue had earlier been conveyed to senior officials and would now be forwarded again through the established procedure. He warned the Shrine Board that the Samiti would further intensify its agitation if a timely solution was not found. He also acknowledged the Additional CEO and officials who engaged with the protesters.
Parshotam Dadhichi issued a strong warning, urging the Shrine Board to roll back its decision immediately or “face dire consequences.” He said the protest remained peaceful but cautioned that continued neglect of issues linked to Aastha could push the agitation toward unrest.
Members of the local community echoed similar sentiments, stating that while the current protest focuses on the MBBS seat cancellation issue, other decisions affecting Sanatan Dharma sentiments cannot be ignored.
The Sangharsh Samiti said it will closely monitor the Shrine Board’s response in the coming days and is prepared to escalate its movement if its concerns remain unaddressed.
Officials said the protesters tried to advance beyond the designated protest zone but were stopped by police and CRPF teams, ensuring the situation did not spiral out of control. The district administration remained on alert as several groups announced plans to mobilise more supporters in the coming days.
Meanwhile, Shrine Board officials maintained that any decision regarding MBBS seats would be taken only after reviewing all procedural and legal aspects.
Those present included Kartik Sudan (Bajrang Dal President), Shilpi Verma, Sushant Sharma (VHP), Preeti Chaudhary, Rajan Singh (Happy), Akshi Billwaria, Karan Singh, and Vivek (District Convener Reasi), among others.
