Jammu: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah sharply criticized the closure of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence (SMVDIME) in Katra, stating it has severely impacted students futures. The National Medical Commission revoked the colleges Letter of Permission for its 50 seat MBBS batch on January 6, 2026, citing non compliance with minimum standards amid protests over admissions.
Abdullah condemned the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Sangharsh Samiti and right wing groups for celebrating the shutdown with fireworks and victory marches in Jammu. He highlighted that 42 of the 50 selected students were Muslim, sparking objections from Hindu organizations who argued the shrine funded college should prioritize Hindus. “People elsewhere fight to establish medical colleges, but here they fought to close one, ruining childrens futures,” Abdullah remarked while speaking to reporters in Samba.
The Chief Minister warned of long term damage, noting the institute could have expanded to 400 seats within two years, benefiting around 250 Jammu students. He directed the Health Minister to relocate the affected inaugural batch to government medical colleges near their hometowns, ensuring no disruption. Abdullah had earlier suggested shutting the college himself given the religious politics, prioritizing student welfare over controversy.
Peoples Democratic Party leader Mehbooba Mufti echoed concerns, while Apni Party questioned the NMCS sudden ineligibility ruling after initial approval. The episode fueled tensions between National Conference and BJP, with Abdullah urging merit over communal lenses. Selected students will transfer to recognized Jammu and Kashmir institutions, but future aspirants face lost opportunities.
Abdullah called on students to remember those responsible for the closure, framing it as Jammu regions loss in the broader education landscape.
