Sajid Raina
Samba, Jan 07 : Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday expressed serious concern over the cancellation of recognition of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence by the National Medical Commission, saying the decision has adversely affected the future of students from the Union Territory.
Speaking to reporters in Samba, Omar, as per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said the college’s closure has disrupted admissions for hundreds of students.
“They have played with the future of the students of J&K. This time, 40 out of 50 seats were allocated to Kashmiri students. Within a year or two, the seats would have increased to around 400, with possibly 200–250 students from Jammu,” he said.
Now, the CM said, these students will not get admission in this college because the entire institution has been shut down in the name of religion.
Abdullah added that he has directed the Health Minister to intervene immediately and ensure that affected students are relocated to medical colleges nearest to their homes.
“Those children who will not get a medical college seat in the future, because this college has been closed, should be accommodated in government medical colleges so they can continue their studies and serve the people here,” he said.
He criticised the decision, saying it undermines opportunities for students in J&K at a time when elsewhere in the country, families are fighting to secure medical college seats.
“If you are happy destroying the future of the children, then burst the firecrackers. People struggle for medical education. In Jammu and Kashmir, the fight has been to close a college,” Abdullah said.
On other issues, the Chief Minister highlighted ongoing development and governance initiatives in the Samba district. He said progress in certain sectors needs to be accelerated and expressed hope that by the end of the current financial year, Samba’s performance will compare favourably with other districts.
Abdullah also lauded the achievements of young sports teams in the UT, including under-16 cricket players who recently won a trophy.
“I do not consider the religion of players. I just want the performance of teams in Jammu and Kashmir to improve. I will meet these young players personally and congratulate them,” he said—(KNO)
