SMVD Sangharsh Samiti to launch J&K-wide signature campaign over MBBS admission row
SMVD admission controversy escalates, Sangharsh Samiti plans mass outreach across J&K
JAMMU, Dec 29: Intensifying its agitation over MBBS admissions at the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence, the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Sangharsh Samiti on Monday announced plans to launch a large-scale signature campaign across Jammu and Kashmir, asserting that the movement will continue until what it calls justice is delivered.
Addressing a press conference here, Convenor of the Sangharsh Samiti, Colonel Sukhvir Singh Mankotia, said the controversy surrounding the admission of students allegedly belonging to only one community has not been addressed with the seriousness it deserves. He claimed that despite repeated appeals, the issue has failed to receive adequate attention at the highest administrative level.
Colonel Mankotia alleged that the matter reflects a grave injustice to the faith and sentiments of devotees of Mata Vaishno Devi and questioned the role of key stakeholders in allowing the situation to persist. He said the Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha, should seek a detailed explanation from the head of the institute, Dr Yashpal Sharma, holding him equally accountable for the admissions process and demanding appropriate action.
Raising questions over the political response, Mankotia also expressed suspicion over the silence of Omar Abdullah, alleging that the developments took place with his knowledge. He further claimed that the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board and its members were aware of the issue from the outset but chose not to intervene.
The Sangharsh Samiti reiterated its call for a boycott of public programmes attended by the Lieutenant Governor and appealed to legislators who profess faith in Mata Vaishno Devi to join the boycott. Warning of consequences, Mankotia said those who ignore the appeal would be dealt with through the committee’s internal mechanisms.
Outlining the next phase of agitation, he announced that the signature campaign would be launched in multiple districts of Jammu and Kashmir. One campaign will target prominent citizens, including retired bureaucrats, former defence personnel, and ex-IPS and IAS officers, while a parallel campaign will seek support from the general public.
On the occasion, Colonel Mankotia also announced the appointment of Abhishek Mahajan and Advocate Deepak Sharma as spokespersons of the Sangharsh Samiti’s core team, aimed at strengthening coordination and communication during the movement.
Several senior members of the committee, including Parshotam Dadhichi, Sanjay Mahajan, Kartik Sudan, Neeraj Gupta, Narayan Singh, Advocate Baldev Singh and Shilpi Verma, were present at the press conference, reaffirming their resolve to continue the agitation until corrective action is taken.
