Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday questioned the use of religion as a criterion for student admissions at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence.
Referring to statements by the BJP suggesting that students from Hindu backgrounds should have primary rights to admission because the institute is funded through donations at the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine, Abdullah said, “Today, education is being given the color of religion. Even in medical colleges, it is being suggested that Muslims or non-Hindus should not study here.”
He added, “Now, we will set aside the merits of the children and start making decisions based on religion. Where will the Constitution of the country go?”
Abdullah cited Jamia Zia Ul Uloom as an example of merit-based education and adherence to constitutional values. He said the institution and its head, Maulana Ghulam Qadir Sahib, had supported the government in maintaining community harmony and had assisted during natural disasters.
He noted that students from the Jamia have excelled in competitive exams such as UPSC, KAS, and KPS.
Abdullah also mentioned his personal connection with the Jamia, tracing it to the relationships his grandfather and father had with Maulana Ghulam Qadir Sahib. He congratulated the Maulanas, faculty, and students of Jamia Zia Ul Uloom.
BJP leaders, meanwhile, said that the rights of students who have already secured admission at the medical institute will be protected. (Agencies)
