ISLAMABAD: Indian Illegally-Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday criticised a Hindutva group for celebrating the closure of the Mata Vaishno Devi Medical College in Bhavan, saying the decision had damaged the future of students.
According to NDTV, Abdullah was reacting to the National Medical Commission’s decision to revoke recognition of the medical college for failing to meet minimum standards.
“The Sangharsh Samiti is celebrating the closure of the medical college. People in other countries fight to establish medical colleges, but here they are fighting to shut one down,” Abdullah said while speaking to reporters in Samba.
“If you are happy about ruining children’s futures, then celebrate with fireworks,” he added.
Admissions controversy
The medical college became the center of controversy after its admission list showed that 42 Muslim students and seven Hindu students were selected for its 50 seats.
Right-wing organizations objected to the list, arguing that the college, which they said was funded by devotees of Mata Vaishno Devi, should prioritise Hindu students.
The National Medical Commission later withdrew permission for the institution, citing non-compliance with required standards, NDTV reported.
Abdullah said the focus should have been on improving standards and ensuring the college’s continuation rather than supporting its closure, stressing that the outcome had directly affected students enrolled or seeking admission.
