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Chennai: The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association has urged Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin to intervene in an alleged case of religious discrimination at a private medical college in Coimbatore. The Association claimed Dr Zubair Ahmad, a Muslim doctor from the Kashmir Valley, was denied admission to a DrNB (Nephrology) programme after being asked to shave his beard—contrary to his religious beliefs.

According to the Association, Dr Zubair was allotted the seat through NEET-SS counselling conducted by the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS). Upon reporting to the college and hospital to complete admission formalities, he was allegedly asked to sign a policy document prohibiting beards. The Association claimed even after Dr Zubair offered to cover his beard with a surgical mask and comply with all hygiene protocols, the hospital refused to accommodate him.

Nasir Khuehami, the Association’s national convenor, called the policy “discriminatory and exclusionary,” arguing it violates Article 25 of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to religious freedom.

Hospital sources, however, countered the allegations, claiming Dr Zubair was only asked to trim his beard due to hygiene and safety requirements in surgical settings, and not for religious reasons. They emphasized the policy was standard clinical practice.

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Following the standoff, Dr Zubair withdrew from the programme and has requested NBEMS to allow his participation in the third counselling round and refund his ₹2 lakh security deposit.

The Association expressed disappointment over the incident “occurring in Tamil Nadu, a state known for its inclusive values,” and urged the Chief Minister to ensure protection of religious freedoms in academic and healthcare institutions.

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