Anantnag: People’s Democratic Party leader Waheed Parra on Wednesday said the cancellation of MBBS admissions at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Medical College has sent a deeply disturbing message across the country and has contributed to further division within society.
Talking to reporters on the death anniversary of former Chief Minister Mufti Muhammad Sayeed, Parra termed the decision unfortunate and politically damaging.
“It is very unfortunate that the Mata Vaishno Devi Medical College was cancelled solely because minorities were getting full admission there. This has sent a wrong message to the nation,” Parra said. He alleged that the BJP-led government, which is currently in power, has failed to uphold constitutional values and has instead encouraged social polarization.
Parra said such decisions undermine merit-based institutions and weaken the idea of equal opportunity. “This approach creates fear, division, and insecurity in society. It is not good for democracy, nor for the future of Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.
Reflecting on the legacy of Mufti Muhammad Sayeed, Parra said there is an urgent need to return to the former Chief Minister’s political philosophy, which emphasised reconciliation, dignity, and dialogue.
“Mufti Sahib believed in healing wounds, not deepening them. Today, the youth are disappointed, silent, and depressed. This silence is dangerous and reflects a deep sense of disillusionment,” he said.
Parra said policies that alienate young people and challenge merit-based systems will only push society further into mistrust. He urged the leadership to adopt an inclusive and humane approach, in line with the vision articulated by Mufti Muhammad Sayeed during his tenure. [KNT]
