Bar association backs Sangharsh Samiti stir

Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Sangharsh Samiti, which is protesting against the admission of non-Hindu students at the medical college of the religious shrine, has received the support of J&K High Court Bar Association, Jammu.

A team of the Sangharsh Samiti led by its convener Sukhvir Singh Mankotia met advocate Nirmal Kotwal, president of the Bar Association, and his team and sought their support for their ongoing movement.

Kotwal stated that the shrine board has become completely commercialised and all facilities there are very expensive, making them inaccessible to the common man. He emphasised that local people should have participation in the shrine board. “Vaishno Devi is a matter of faith for us. It should not be turned into a picnic spot,” he said.

He reiterated that the Sangharsh Samiti’s movement has full support of the Bar.

Mankotia said, “Selfless support of the Bar Association is a great strength for us. We are confident that this is a fight for justice and we are firm in our resolve. We will not rest until the shrine board’s decision is overturned.”

The Sangharsh Samiti has launched an agitation in which it is demanding that the 50 MBBS seats at the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence should be reserved only for Hindus.