| After NIT, separatists join row over NEET in Valley | | |
Early Times Report
JAMMU, May 3: After the NIT crisis, another student-related controversy stares in the face of the Valley-the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance (NEET) exams for medical colleges.
As per a Supreme Court order, Jammu and Kashmir, like other states, is supposed to go for the centralized entrance test. The decision, however, has already ruffled many feathers and is turning into a political hot potato.
"Like they have done with NIT, majority of non-local students study and then they go on to accuse locals only. They are now doing that with the MBBS colleges of the valley. It is a plan against Kashmiris", said Syed Ali Shah Geelani, Chairman Hurriyat Conference.
Following the Supreme Court order the first phase of NEET was held throughout the country on Sunday. The second phase is scheduled for 24 July. The announcement has caused a lot of unrest among aspiring students in the valley. The community does not want the state government run colleges to be linked to the national level test. Most of them feel that this will leave lesser chances for them to get into state colleges. "This is against us. We won't be able to get into our own colleges," said a student. "What about those who don't have any means to go out. Why are they taking away these opportunities from us in the state?" said another.
Sensing a brewing crisis, the state government has gone into a huddle. It has moved Supreme Court seeking exemption from the test. In its plea, the State has invoked Article 370 before the apex court. State education minister Naeem Akhtar had earlier said, "we have a strong case before the court and we are hopeful our state would get exemption from NEET".
Considering Jammu and Kashmir has barely managed to come out of last month's NIT Srinagar trouble, it will be interesting to see which way the court rules. One thing is for sure, another student crisis is the last thing CM Mehbooba Mufti would want now. |
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