SMVDIME Dispute: 45-Day Protest Ends with Decisive Decision, Sangharsh Samiti Thanks Centre

The dispute related to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Medical College, which had been going on for nearly one and a half months, has now reached a decisive conclusion. After the National Medical Commission cancelled the permission of the medical college, the decision is being seen as a victory of faith for the Hindu community and devotees. In this context, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Sangharsh Samiti held an important core group meeting followed by a grand press conference, where the entire episode, achievements of the movement, and the future course were clearly explained.

 

 

 

The Sangharsh Samiti clarified that the movement was not against any community, but was aimed at protecting Sanatan traditions, religious dignity, and the purity of temple offerings. The committee said that all decisions related to institutions connected with a world-famous Shakti Peeth like Mata Vaishno Devi must respect devotees sentiments and scriptural traditions.

 

 

 

 

According to the committee, during the last 45 days, the issue went beyond Jammu and Kashmir and became a matter of concern for the entire Sanatan society of the country. Through the media, a continuous question was raised; whether the offerings made at the feet of the Goddess could be used for institutions like a medical college. The committee claimed that rules were ignored in setting up the medical college, decisions were taken in haste, and National Medical Commission norms were not followed.

 

 

Based on these objections and facts, the committee termed the NMC’s decision to cancel the college’s permission as a victory of justice. It said the decision proves that the voice of devotees and a fact-based movement cannot be ignored.

 

 

 

 

During the press conference, the committee praised the role of the Central Government and said the decision shows that the country has a government that understands the faith and emotions of crores of devotees. The committee expressed gratitude to the Home Ministry and Health Ministry for taking the matter seriously and acting as per rules. It said this decision is not limited to one institution but sets an example of transparency and accountability in the management of religious places.

 

 

 

 

The Sangharsh Samiti demanded that the Lieutenant Governor issue clear directions to the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board to prevent such situations in the future. The committee said the bylaws of the Shrine Board should be amended to ensure full respect for Sanatan traditions, religious beliefs, and cultural values. It also demanded effective participation of the Hindu society in the board’s functioning and promotion of studies and research on Yoga, Vedas, and Sanskrit. The committee clarified that its aim is not confrontation but the establishment of a disciplined and religiously appropriate system.

 

 

 

 

The root of the controversy lies in the use of temple offerings. The committee said that offerings made by devotees at the feet of Mata Vaishno Devi belong to the Goddess and should be used only for religious, public welfare, and dharmic purposes. Citing scriptures, the committee stated that using temple funds for secular universities, medical colleges, hospitals, or commercial institutions is religiously inappropriate. It alleged that over the past two decades, a large amount of funds was used for projects that fall under the responsibility of the government. Using devotees offerings for roads, universities, and medical colleges is a direct attack on their faith.

  

 

 

 

The committee raised serious questions regarding the admission process of the medical college, including:

 

 

Out of 50 MBBS seats, 47 were allotted to students from a single community.

 

Reservation rules were not defined by the college management.

 

No seats were earmarked for SC, ST, OBC, EWS, RBA, ALC, or IB categories.

 

Counseling time in J&K was the shortest compared to other states.

 

The hurried counseling process raised doubts over fairness.

 

Ownership of the land for the medical college is still unclear.

 

The university granting affiliation did not clearly have the authority under its Act.

 

National Medical Commission rules were ignored in establishing and running the college.

 

 

 

 

The committee placed its demands clearly, stating that a permanent solution is needed:

 

The medical college should be completely shut down.

 

Admitted students should be adjusted in other recognised medical colleges.

 

Temple offerings should be used only for Sanatan Dharma and religious purposes.

 

Complete transparency in the use of offerings, with public disclosure of accounts.

 

Investigation into the role of officials and board members who violated rules.

 

Strict action against those found guilty.

 

Protection and regular maintenance of temples on old Vaishno Devi routes.

 

Proper development of the Trikuta mountain parikrama route for devotees.

 

Renovation of ancient temples like Kol Kandoli, Deva Mai, Baba Jitto, and Nau Deviyan.

 

 

The committee also demanded that Katra and the Mata Vaishno Devi region be developed as major centres of Sanatan culture. Temple funds should be used only for religious propagation, temple preservation, gurukuls, gaushalas, and facilities for devotees.

 

 

 

 

After the press conference, the Sangharsh Samiti and its supporters took out a victory procession with drums and music. The march started from Parade Ground and passed through different parts of the city before reaching Raghunath Temple. After prayers, gratitude was expressed for the success of the movement. The atmosphere echoed with slogans of “Jai Mata Di” and “Jai Shri Ram”.

 

 

In conclusion, the committee clarified that the movement was not meant to insult or oppose anyone, but to protect Sanatan culture and the dignity of Mata Vaishno Devi. It reaffirmed that it will continue to keep a close watch on all decisions related to the Shrine Board to ensure that every action connected with the Goddess’s shrine follows dharma, tradition, and devotees sentiments.