Srinagar, Jan 07 (KNS): Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday criticised protests against the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Medical College in Reasi, saying that while people in many parts of the country struggle for the establishment of medical colleges, demonstrations were organised in Jammu to oppose the functioning of an existing institution.
Talking to reporters, the Chief Minister held the Sangharsh Samiti responsible for what he said was the loss suffered by students whose admissions were cancelled, stating that the agitation had directly affected the future of aspiring doctors who had qualified through competitive examinations.
He said he has instructed the Health Minister to ensure that students who were admitted to the medical college are accommodated in other medical institutions located closer to their homes to reduce academic and personal disruption. “I have told the Health Minister to get these students adjusted in medical colleges close to their homes,” he said.
Omar Abdullah also took exception to celebrations reportedly held by the agitators after the admissions were cancelled.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelQuestioning the move, he said such actions showed disregard for students whose careers had been put at risk.
“You have played with the careers of students. If you are satisfied with this, then you may as well celebrate,” he said.
Rejecting claims that the admission process had harmed the interests of Jammu, the Chief Minister said merit-based systems function in a balanced manner over time.
He said that while a higher number of students from Kashmir secured admission this year, students from Jammu could have benefitted in the coming years under the same process.
He said targeting students and opposing institutions weakens medical education and healthcare in the region.
He added that students who cleared examinations and secured admission on merit should not be made to suffer due to protests or regional considerations, and stressed the need to protect both institutions and the future of young professionals.(KNS)