Says, we live in a secular country where merit is valued, not religious identity
JK News Today
Srinagar, November 23: Apni Party President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari on Sunday expressed deep concern over LoP Sunil Sharma and other BJP leaders opposing the admission of non-Hindu students at the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence (SMVDIME).
He stated, “India is a secular country, guided by a Constitution that upholds merit—not religious identity—as the basis for opportunity.”
In his strongly worded statement issued here, Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari said, “When fringe elements of society object to the admission of non-Hindu students in Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence (SMVDIME), one can understand their frustration and flawed logic, and one can simply ignore these voices. However, it is shocking and deeply troubling to see figures like Sunil Sharma, the leader of Opposition in the assembly and other BJP leaders, echoing the same tone and tenor as these fringe elements on this issue.”
Condemning the regressive mindset that seeks to determine admissions on the basis of religious identity at a prestigious institution like SMVDIME, the Apni Party President said, “How can a reputed institution like SMVDIME discriminate against students because of their religion? And if this logic is applied tomorrow to institutions like Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University (BGSBU) or the Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST), forcing them to admit only students from one community, what will that do to our social harmony and secular values? Is this really the kind of society we want to build?”
Mr Bukhari continued, “This mindset mirrors the ideology once pursued by leaders like Jinnah—an ideology that inflicted lasting damage to the subcontinent.”
“It is truly painful to see attempts being made to block Muslim students from studying at SMVDIME,” he added.
Appealing prime minister and home minister to intervene into the issue, Apni Party leader said, “I place my trust in the wisdom of the Hon’ble Prime Minister and the Hon’ble Home Minister to guide this matter in the right direction.”
When fringe elements of society object to the admission of non-Hindu students in Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence (SMVDIME), one can understand their frustration and flawed logic, and one can simply ignore these voices. However, it is shocking and deeply troubling to see figures like Sunil Sharma, the leader of Opposition in the assembly and other BJP leaders, echoing the same tone and tenor as these fringe elements on this issue. How can a reputed institution like SMVDIME discriminate against students because of their religion? And if this logic is applied tomorrow to institutions like Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University (BGSBU) or the Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST), forcing them to admit only students from one community, what will that do to our social harmony and secular values? Is this really the kind of society we want to build? This mindset mirrors the ideology once pursued by leaders like Jinnah—an ideology that inflicted lasting damage to the subcontinent. It is truly painful to see attempts being made to block Muslim students from studying at SMVDIME. I place my trust in the wisdom of the Hon’ble Prime Minister and the Hon’ble Home Minister to guide this matter in the right direction.
When fringe elements of society object to the admission of non-Hindu students in Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence (SMVDIME), one can understand their frustration and flawed logic, and one can simply ignore these voices.
— Altaf Bukhari (@SMAltafBukhari) November 23, 2025
However, it is shocking and deeply…
