Jammu, Jan 6:
Authorities in the winter capital have placed the Civil Secretariat under a complete security lockdown today, Tuesday, January 6, 2026. The move comes as a preemptive strike by the J&K Police to foil a massive protest demonstration called by the newly formed Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Sangharsh Samiti.
The central point of the controversy is the maiden batch of MBBS admissions at the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence (SMVDIME). The Sangharsh Samiti and several right-wing organizations allege “religious bias” in the selection process. They point to the admission of non-Hindu students as a violation of the institution’s founding spirit, claiming the college is funded by the offerings of Hindu devotees at the Holy Shrine. The group has issued an ultimatum—either rescind the current admission list or shut down the medical college entirely. They have further threatened a region-wide signature campaign and a boycott of Shrine Board-run services. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and top officials have categorically rejected these claims. The government maintains that all 50 seats were filled strictly on the basis of NEET merit, following nationally prescribed norms.
Leaders of the Sangharsh Samiti have alleged a “misuse of shrine funds” over the last two decades. They have formally sought the intervention of the Lieutenant Governor (Chairman of the SMVDSB) and senior BJP leadership to address what they term a “systematic denial” of rights to the majority donor community.
“No protesters will be allowed to come anywhere near the Secretariat premises. Security arrangements are a precautionary measure to maintain public order in this high-security zone. The admission process is religion-neutral and merit-driven.” — Senior Police Official, Jammu.
