Jammu witnessed a significant escalation of tensions on Saturday as large-scale protests demanded the shutdown of a medical college backed by the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB). The agitation stems from controversy over the admission process, which resulted in a majority of Muslim candidates securing seats.
Protests Erupt Outside Lieutenant Governor's Residence
The demonstration unfolded outside Lok Bhavan, the official residence of the Lieutenant Governor, in Jammu on Saturday, December 27, 2025. Protesters, including members of a local Samiti, clashed with police personnel deployed at the site. The protest marks a intensification of an agitation that began weeks earlier, fueled by discontent over the admission results at the SMVDSB-supported institution.
Demands for Closure and Symbolic Actions
The protestors' primary demand is the complete closure of the medical college. In a show of strong dissent, participants burned effigies of Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. The Samiti members argue that the admission outcomes are unfair and have called for the implementation of reservation policies for Hindu students within the college's intake process.
Root Cause: The Admission Controversy
The core issue triggering the unrest is the recent admission cycle where a majority of the selected candidates were reported to be Muslim. This outcome has sparked allegations of an imbalanced and biased selection procedure at the shrine board-run college. Protesters claim this violates principles of equitable opportunity and are pushing for corrective measures, including specific quotas.
The situation remains tense as authorities monitor developments. The protest highlights deep-seated community concerns over education and representation in the region, putting the spotlight on the administration's next steps to address the grievances and restore calm.
