Srinagar, Nov. 25 -- Says merit-based system fair and warns that divisive narratives threaten J&K's tradition of harmony

President of the People's Democratic Front (PDF) and former minister Hakeem Mohammad Yaseen on Tuesday said the ongoing row over admissions at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University (SMVDU) is "unwarranted and politically motivated," asserting that the university's admission process is "fair, transparent and merit-based."

In a statement issued ,Hakeem said attempts by certain groups to give the issue a communal colour were dangerous and unacceptable.

"Action should be taken against those who are trying to communalise this matter. It is against the principles and values of our country," he said.

Yaseen praised the SMVDU a...