Jammu, Dec. 3 -- Amid protests in Katra over MBBS admission row and proposed ropeway project, chief minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday reiterated his stance on the merit-based admissions to the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence (SMVDIME).

"Admissions are based on merit and not religion," Omar said.

Addressing media queries during his visit to Rajouri, Omar said, "There is no need to say anything on this issue. When they (shrine board) decided to make a medical college under Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University, they knew that seats couldn't be given on the basis of religion."

The CM recalled that the shrine board authorities had given their consent to make NEET scores the sole eligibility criterion to seek admission in...