Opposing the admission of Muslim students, he claimed: “Muslims don’t believe in idol worship and hence it would not be feasible for them to undergo education in an institute which has been set up by the money of idol worshippers.”

The VDSS plans to write to President Droupadi Murmu, J&K Lt Governor Manoj Sinha and the Union Health Minister seeking immediate cancellation of the admission list. “If the list is not cancelled, then we will be compelled to take to the roads and stage forceful protests. The government should respect the sentiments of Hindus,” Mankotia warned.

Several right-wing groups, including the Bajrang Dal, Vishwa Hindu Parishad, Yuva Rajput Sabha and Movement Kalki, have also opposed the admissions, arguing that institutions funded through shrine donations should prioritise Hindu students.

A BJP delegation led by Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma met Lt Governor Manoj Sinha seeking a review of the admission criteria, enhanced transparency, and consideration of devotees’ sentiments. “Only those who have faith in Vaishno Devi should get admission there,” Sharma said.

In sharp contrast, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah rejected the demand to cancel the admissions, asserting that the selected students had qualified through NEET and could not be denied seats on religious grounds. “Students were seeking medical education and had no objection to the institute's religious affiliation. Now you want to deny admission on the basis of religion,” he said, warning that excluding meritorious students could have wider social consequences.

Abdullah added that if the intention was to restrict admissions to a particular community, the college should have been granted minority status at the time of its establishment. “Don’t push Muslim students like this, then if something happens you blame the entire community, If you don’t want Muslim students to study in this college, then give it minority status and our children will go somewhere else. They will go to Turkey or Bangladesh” he said.

The VDSS has said it will escalate its agitation if the admission list is not cancelled, insisting that “the government should respect the sentiments of Hindus.”