Srinagar, Nov. 26 -- Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday questioned the use of religion as a criterion in student admissions at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence.

Referring to statements by the BJP that students from Hindu backgrounds should have primary rights to admission because the institute is funded through donations at the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine, Abdullah said that "today, education is given the color of religion. Even in medical colleges, it is said that Muslims or non-Hindus should not study here."

He added, "Now, we will put aside the merits of the children and start making decisions on the basis of religion. Where will the constitution of the country go?"

Abdullah cited Jamia Zi...