Reasi, Indian-administered Kashmir | January 2026 — Indian authorities have shut down a newly opened medical college in Jammu and Kashmir after protests by right-wing Hindu groups objecting to the admission of a large number of Muslim students, sparking nationwide debate over merit, religion, and education.
The National Medical Commission (NMC) on January 6 revoked the recognition of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Medical Institute (SMVDMI), located in Reasi district, just weeks after its first batch of students began classes.
Why the College Was Shut Down
Of the 50 students admitted to the inaugural MBBS batch in November, 42 were Muslims, mostly from Kashmir, while seven were Hindus and one was Sikh. Admissions were conducted through India’s nationwide NEET entrance examination, which is religion-neutral and merit-based.
Soon after the admissions list became public, Hindu right-wing groups began protests, claiming that Muslim students should not study at an institution funded partly through donations to the Mata Vaishno Devi temple, one of Hinduism’s most revered shrines.
Demonstrators gathered daily outside the campus, raising slogans and demanding cancellation of admissions. BJP leaders also submitted petitions to the region’s lieutenant governor, initially calling for religious reservations and later demanding closure of the college.
NMC Cites “Deficiencies”
Amid mounting pressure, the NMC announced that SMVDMI failed to meet minimum standards, citing alleged shortcomings in:
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Teaching faculty
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Hospital bed occupancy
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Outpatient patient flow
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Libraries
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Operating theatres
The following day, the commission withdrew the college’s letter of permission, effectively forcing it to shut down.
However, students and parents strongly dispute these claims.
Students Say College Met Standards
Several students told media outlets that the institute was well-equipped and functioning normally.
“We had better facilities than some established government colleges,” said one student, noting that SMVDMI had four cadavers, compared to one in many other colleges.
Parents echoed similar views, saying there were no visible shortcomings during admissions or the start of classes.
Political analyst Zafar Choudhary questioned how such major deficiencies could suddenly appear after approval had already been granted. “Logic suggests infrastructure improves once classes begin, not worsens,” he said.
Political and Public Reaction
The BJP denied allegations of discrimination, saying the decision was purely regulatory. Party spokesperson Altaf Thakur said the issue was about “respecting religious sentiments” and maintaining educational standards.
In contrast, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah condemned the protests, saying they had endangered students’ futures.
“People usually fight to have medical colleges in their area. Here, they fought to shut one down,” Abdullah said. He assured that all affected students would be accommodated in other medical colleges through supernumerary seats.
Regional legislator Tanvir Sadiq noted that the university received over $13 million in government funding since 2017, making it a public institution open to all legally eligible students.
Fears of Communalisation
Student groups and education activists warned that the incident could set a dangerous precedent.
“The idea that only one community can study in a college run by a particular trust threatens the secular foundation of education,” said Nasir Khuehami, head of the Jammu and Kashmir Students’ Association.
Students Left in Limbo
Students have returned home while awaiting reassignment. Many fear their academic future has been unfairly disrupted.
“I cleared one of India’s toughest exams on merit,” said Saniya, an 18-year-old student from Baramulla. “But everything collapsed because of our identity. They turned merit into religion.”
