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- Says merit-based system fair and warns that divisive narratives threaten J&K’s tradition of harmony
SRINAGAR: President of the People’s Democratic Front (PDF) and former minister Hakeem Mohammad Yaseen on Tuesday said the ongoing row over admissions at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University (SMVDU) is “unwarranted and politically motivated,” asserting that the university’s admission process is “fair, transparent and merit-based.”
Hakeem said attempts by certain groups to give the issue a communal colour were dangerous and unacceptable.
“Action should be taken against those who are trying to communalise this matter. It is against the principles and values of our country,” he said.
Yaseen praised the SMVDU administration for conducting admissions strictly on merit.
“We congratulate the university administration. They have done the process fairly, without bias. Some people are making this an issue for no reason. It should not matter which community a student belongs to—capable children must be encouraged, not discouraged,” he said.
The former minister said Jammu and Kashmir has long been a model of communal harmony, and any attempt to disturb that social fabric—especially through educational controversies, could have long-term consequences.
“Communalising education harms society and future generations. We must not allow such divisive politics to take root,” he warned.
Hakeem also criticised individuals who, according to him, create controversies “to stay in the limelight,” referring to recent uproars over reservation and electricity issues.
He said political figures must behave responsibly and raise grievances through proper channels.“Elected representatives should strengthen institutions rather than indulge in street rhetoric,” he said, urging leaders to adopt constructive engagement with the government instead of fuelling public unrest.
Praising the SMVDU administration for conducting admissions without bias, Hakeem said it should not matter which community a student belongs to and that capable children must be encouraged, not discouraged.
He criticised individuals “seeking limelight” by creating avoidable controversies over reservations and electricity issues, urging political leaders to act responsibly and use proper forums instead of street rhetoric.
Appealing to the Lieutenant Governor, Hakeem requested immediate intervention to curb any attempts to disturb educational environments through divisive agendas and to ensure that academic institutions remain protected from communal politics.
