Jammu Protests Over MBBS Admission List at SMVD Medical Institute, Effigy of LG Burnt
By: Javid Amin | 27 December 2025
Protests erupted outside Lok Bhavan, the official residence of the Lieutenant Governor in Jammu, on Friday after controversy broke out over the MBBS admission list at the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence (SMVDIME).
Demonstrators burnt an effigy of Lt Governor Manoj Sinha, raised slogans against the administration, and blocked traffic for over an hour, demanding immediate revocation of the admission list for the institute’s inaugural MBBS batch.
What Triggered the Protests
The agitation followed the release of the first MBBS admission list, which, according to protesters, reflected sharp regional and religious imbalance.
Admission Composition (As Alleged by Protesters)
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42 Muslim candidates, most from the Kashmir Valley
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7 Hindu students from Jammu
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1 Sikh candidate
The figures sparked anger among sections of Jammu-based groups, who alleged that local Hindu students were sidelined in an institution located in the Jammu region.
Who Led the Protest
The protest was organized by the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Sangharsh Samiti, and saw participation from:
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BJP women activists
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Trade and business leaders
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Local social organizations
Protesters raised slogans such as “LG go back” and accused the administration of ignoring Jammu’s interests in key educational decisions.
Demands Raised
Protesters put forward a set of clear demands:
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Immediate revocation of the MBBS admission list
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Reservation or safeguards for Hindu students from Jammu
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A review of admission policy to ensure regional balance
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Greater transparency in the selection process
They warned of intensified agitation if corrective steps were not taken.
Traffic Disruption and Police Response
The protest led to:
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Temporary blockage of roads around Lok Bhavan
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Disruption of vehicular movement for more than an hour
Police and security personnel were deployed to manage the situation. No major clashes were reported, and the protest dispersed after assurances that the concerns would be conveyed to higher authorities.
Political and Communal Undertones
While framed as an education-related protest, the controversy has rapidly acquired communal and regional overtones, reflecting long-standing fault lines between Jammu and Kashmir regions.
Political observers note that:
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Admissions based purely on merit often clash with regional expectations
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Educational institutions in J&K frequently become flashpoints for identity politics
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The issue risks deepening communal polarization if not handled carefully
Governance Under Pressure
The protest places fresh pressure on the Lieutenant Governor’s administration, particularly on:
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Admission policy oversight
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Perceived regional equity in new institutions
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Crisis management in sensitive education-related disputes
So far, there has been no official response from the LG’s office or the institute’s administration on whether the admission list will be reviewed.
Broader Implications
| Area | Impact |
|---|---|
| Governance | Increased scrutiny of LG-led administration |
| Education | Debate over merit vs regional representation |
| Social Harmony | Risk of Jammu–Kashmir polarization |
| Public Sentiment | Growing resentment among sections of Jammu |
Why This Issue Matters
The SMVD Institute is a prestigious, newly established medical college, and its first MBBS batch carries symbolic importance. Any perception of imbalance—real or perceived—has the potential to:
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Undermine trust in institutions
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Politicize higher education
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Fuel regional insecurities
What Lies Ahead
The administration faces a delicate balancing act:
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Upholding merit-based admissions
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Addressing regional and community concerns
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Preventing escalation into a wider communal dispute
Whether the government chooses to review the list, clarify the admission criteria, or stand firm on merit will likely determine the next phase of this unfolding controversy.
