50 MBBS students left in limbo after sudden closure of Reasi medical college
No adjustment orders despite IIOJK CM’s repeated assurances
Srinagar: In Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), more than two weeks after India’s National Medical Commission (NMC) withdrew the Letter of Permission for the Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence in Reasi, 50 MBBS students remain in limbo, with no concrete action despite repeated assurances from Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the NMC’s Medical Assessment and Rating Board (MARB) scrapped the college’s 2025-26 academic session on January 6, citing alleged “gross and substantial deficiencies” and non-compliance with minimum standards. The decision came months after conditional approval had been granted in September 2025. However, the real reason behind the closure was protests by Hindutva groups in Jammu region including the BJP, over the merit-based admission of 42 Muslim students of IIOJK.
Students described the sudden shutdown as devastating. The uncertainty surrounding their future has now become a major cause of distress. “Our MBBS seats and dreams were snatched overnight. We are left questioning what went wrong when it was never our fault,” said Umdat, one of the affected students.
Although Chief Minister Omar Abdullah reportedly assured students of transfers to other government medical colleges, no formal notification or orders have been issued. Rakshan, another student, said, “It feels like after shutting down the college, everyone forgot us.” Another student, Ubair, added, “The uncertainty could lead many of us to chronic depression. We have left the campus, classes are suspended, and we do not know where or when we will resume our studies. Even our parents and families are deeply distressed.”
The students have appealed to Chief Minister Abdullah to intervene urgently, issue formal transfer orders and ensure a smooth and time-bound adjustment process so that their academic year and mental well-being are not irreversibly damaged.
