A BJP delegation led by LoP Sharma met Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha and called for a review of the admission criteria, greater transparency, and consideration of devotees’ sentiments.

Hindu groups including the Bajrang Dal, Vishwa Hindu Parishad, Yuva Rajput Sabha and Movement Kalki have protested the selection of 42 Muslim candidates, arguing that the institution is funded through donations and offerings by Hindus, and that the admission of Hindu students should be prioritised.

NC spokesman Imran Nabi Dar said the J&K government gives grant-in-aid to the Vaishno Devi medical college.

“Rs 24 crore last year and Rs 28 crore this year were allotted to SMVDU University, and this medical college is affiliated with the university,” he posted on X, attaching a picture of the grant-in-aid receipt as “proof.”

Imran said admissions to the SMVDU Medical College are made through NEET and BOPEE. “There still are institutions in India that go by merit and not by the religion of a student.”

Colonel (retd) Sukhbir Singh Mankotia, convenor of the Vaishno Devi Sangarh Committee — formed by 60 groups — said they are demanding cancellation of the admission list.

He argued that the institute was built using donations and offerings made by Hindu devotees, who believe in idol worship, and that the selection of Muslim candidates has “hurt the sentiments of the community.”

Opposing the admission of Muslims to the medical university, Mankotia said, “Muslims don’t believe in idol worship, and hence it would not be feasible for them to undergo education in an institute that has been set up by the money of idol worshippers.”

“If the list is not cancelled, then we will be compelled to take to the roads and stage forceful protests,” Mankotia warned.