SRINAGAR: A controversial decision regarding medical education in Indian-occupied Kashmir has drawn strong criticism after dozens of Muslim students, selected on merit, were denied admission to an MBBS program.
According to reports, students who had passed the medical entrance examination were later informed that the MBBS program at Mata Vaishno Devi University had been cancelled, effectively ending their chances of admission.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)–led government of acting on religious bias.
Abdullah stated that 42 out of 50 available seats had been secured by Muslim students on merit, after which the university abruptly cancelled the medical program. He termed the move discriminatory and said it amounted to denying qualified students their fundamental right to education.
As reported by The Indian Express, university authorities defended the decision by citing a lack of adequate facilities. However, faculty members and affected students rejected this justification, claiming that the required infrastructure and teaching resources were already in place.
Meanwhile, The Hindu reported that some Hindu extremist organizations expressed satisfaction over the cancellation of the program, further fuelling concerns about communal discrimination.
Education experts and human rights groups have warned that the incident highlights growing concerns over minority rights and equal access to education in Indian-occupied Kashmir.
