Jammu, Dec 6: Former Chief Minister and PDP president Mehbooba Mufti on Saturday expressed concern over the ongoing admission row at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Education (SMVDIME), warning that religion-based admissions could vitiate the atmosphere in Jammu and Kashmir.
Addressing reporters, Mehbooba said that merit and transparency must remain the guiding principles in educational institutions. She cautioned that any attempt to introduce religion as a criterion in admissions would not only undermine fairness but also disturb the social fabric of the region.
The PDP leader emphasized that education should serve as a bridge for unity and progress, rather than becoming a source of division. She urged authorities to ensure that the admission process at SMVDIME is conducted strictly on merit to safeguard the credibility of the institution.
Mehbooba reiterated that Jammu and Kashmir has a history of communal harmony and warned that discriminatory practices in education could have far-reaching consequences. She appealed to the administration to intervene and restore confidence among students and parents.
The remarks come amid protests and growing discontent over alleged irregularities in the admission process at SMVDIME, with student groups demanding corrective measures and transparency.
