Jammu, 18 December (H.S.): Under the banner of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Sangharsh Samiti, strong protest demonstrations were held in various districts and towns across Jammu division, against the current process for allocation of MBBS seats in the Shrine Board run SMVD Institute of Medical Excellence.

Thousands of people from all walks of life including youth, elders, and women participated in the protests and registered their presence at more than 40 different locations across the division, expressing deep resentment against the Shrine Board and the Government.

Erstwhile Doda district remained the main center of the protests, with thousands taking to the streets in hilly terrains of Kishtwar, Bhaderwah, and Doda. Simultaneously, extensive demonstrations were organized by the Samiti in Ramban, Batote, and five locations in Udhampur district, including Chenani, Basantgarh, Manwal, and Panchari.

Widespread public anger was also witnessed at the Reasi headquarters and seven different locations within Jammu city, as well as in R S Pura, Bishnah, Jourian, Akhnoor, and Nagrota. Residents of Kathua, Basohli, Billawar, and Chadwal, along with Ghagwal, Samba, and Vijaypur in the Samba district, also lent their full strength to the movement.

Parshotam Dadhichi, a member of the Core Committee of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Sangharsh Samiti and President of Shri Sanatan Dharma Sabha Jammu & Kashmir, participated in protests at various locations.

In his hard hitting address at Jammu, he alleged irregularities and discrimination in the allocation of MBBS seats by the Shrine Board and warned that the same would not be tolerated at any cost. He termed it a direct blow to the future of youth and the rights of Jammu. He urged the Government to respect public sentiments and withdraw the decision immediately, warning that otherwise, the agitation would take a more aggressive turn across the division.

Addressing the gatherings, Convener of SMVD Sangharsh Samiti, Colonel Siukhvir Singh Mankotia issued a clear warning to the Government, stating that if the controversial decision is not revoked immediately, a massive movement will be launched in the coming days, which the administration will find impossible to control.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Krishan Kumar