Respect sentiments of Sangharsh Samiti- Committee’s concerns are rooted in faith, rights: Raman Suri

JAMMU: Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Raman Suri today issued a strong statement urging Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to uphold the dignity of his constitutional office and refrain from making remarks that undermine the sentiments of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Sangharsh Samiti, which has been peacefully advocating for fair admissions in the Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Excellence/Medical College.

Referring to the Chief Minister’s recent statement in Rajouri where he remarked, “First return the grant and then discuss the admissions of your own people”, Raman Suri said such comments are unfortunate, insensitive, and unbecoming of a Chief Minister who represents all communities, including those who did not vote for him. He said the chief minister must not side with anyone but do justice fairly and respect the sentiments of devotees and Samiti which are pleading a just and genuine cause.

Suri emphasized that the Sangharsh Samiti’s movement carries deep emotional, spiritual, and cultural significance, rooted in the devotion associated with Shri Mata Vaishno Devi, one of the most revered shrines visited by millions of devotees every year. “The committee is not merely fighting for admission rights; it is standing for the preservation of the spiritual identity and cultural sanctity of an institution established in the name of the divine mother,” he said adding that this is not a political issue but a social, cultural and above all religious matter that needs to be handled with sensitivity.

Calling the Chief Minister’s remarks “avoidable and politically motivated,” Raman Suri urged him not to trivialize or target the Samiti for raising genuine concerns. “Democracy allows disagreements, but unnecessary criticism for the sake of vote bank politics is unacceptable. A Chief Minister must listen to all sides, maintain trust, and ensure justice,” he added. The issue that has cropped up needs corrections and nothing more. everywhere else in the country there are institutes which admit students on the basis of faith and religion because their institutes were created on the very basis.

He reiterated that respecting the sentiments of devotees is vital in a region where faith plays a central role in social cohesion. “Those in power must remember that institutions like the Mata Vaishno Devi Medical College symbolize devotion, values, and public aspirations. Any decision regarding its admissions should be taken with sensitivity and fairness,” he said. Suri appealed to the government to open channels of dialogue with the Sangharsh Samiti instead of dismissing or belittling their concerns. “The people expect justice, not confrontation. The Chief Minister must ensure that every voice is heard with dignity and every sentiment respected.”