KNS Special Correspondent
Srinagar, Jan 12 (KNS): The Parliamentarian, Aga Syed Ruhulla, on Monday accused a vocal fringe element linked to the RSS of "communalising" the atmosphere in Jammu. He alleged this group forced the abrupt closure of a premier medical institution to prevent admissions based on merit.
The MP's remarks addressed the recent withdrawal of permission for the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence (SMVDIME) to run its MBBS course.
Speaking to news agency Kashmir News Service (KNS), he said, “It is unfortunate that these elements, who are not in the majority, have polarised and communalised Jammu. They operate on the RSS’s project and have stooped so low that they are now targeting and shutting down an educational institution merely to ensure that non-Hindu students cannot gain admission on merit.”
He added, “They have fallen so low, especially against Muslims, that they have now begun targeting educational institutions.”
The MP pointed to the temple trust that funds the college. “I want to ask them a question: the college runs on funding from a temple, and the teachings that would come from that temple would be for humanity, for development, for justice. Then why are these elements acting beyond the principles of that very temple?” he asked.
“What value system are they bringing from the temple that funds the college?
Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelDoes that value system teach the shutting down of educational institutions? Should education be constructed on the foundation of religion? They need to look within their conscience,” Ruhulla asserted.
He stated, “They have fallen below humanity in their love for and servitude to the RSS. They need to reflect on this. The general population of Jammu is not with this decision; they do not support this communalisation, especially the closing of academic avenues.”
On Jammu’s Statehood Row
When questioned about the Jammu statehood debate, the Srinagar MP sought to distinguish the broader Jammu populace from a vocal fringe.
“In Jammu, there is a vocal fringe element, an RSS group. They are not representative of Jammuites; why talk about them? They are a fringe element, not even true Jammuites, and one should not lend credence to their narrative,” he said.
MP Ruhulla added, “We are proud Kashmiris, but we are also proud of Jammu, proud Dogras. When we talk about Jammu, it is Chenab, Pir Panjal, Doda, Kathua, Udhampur. A fringe element proclaims itself as vocal but spreads hatred. They cannot be called representatives.”
He emphasised that decisions regarding Jammu and Kashmir must be inclusive, stating, “Whatever decisions are to be made about Jammu and Kashmir will be made by the people, with everyone participating equally.” (KNS)