‘Free Kashmir, Free Sharjeel Imam’ slogans appear at Jamia as hunger strike enters third day

New Delhi: A hunger strike by students demanding student union elections at Jamia Millia Islamia entered its third day amid efforts by the university administration to resolve the dispute through talks.

Slogans such as “RSS Go Back”, “Free Kashmir”, “Free Sharjeel Imam” and “VC Go Back” appeared on the university walls. It remains unclear who wrote them or whether those responsible have any connection with the hunger strike. The administration has yet to issue an official statement on the slogans. The students have demanded elections to a representative student body. Their protest also targets Vice Chancellor Prof Mazhar Asif.

Committee holds student talks

The administration formed a seven-member committee on October 18 to address the students’ concerns. The panel began discussions on October 19 and invited student representatives to the Dean of Social Sciences’ office.

A subsequent meeting on October 20 lasted nearly two hours. The points discussed during the meeting were put in writing, but the student representatives did not sign the document. The discussions have yet to produce a resolution that would end the hunger strike. The demand for student union elections remains the central issue before the administration and the protesters.

Union constitution draft planned

At a meeting chaired by Asif on October 21, university officials discussed several aspects of establishing the Jamia Millia Islamia Students’ Union, or JMISU.

The meeting decided to constitute a committee to draft the proposed union’s constitution. The administration cited Sections 23(J) and (K) of the university’s governing legislation as the basis for the process. The proposed drafting exercise marks a step towards creating a framework for the students’ union. However, the information available does not specify a date for elections.

Medical team on campus

With concerns over the health of students on hunger strike, the university administration deployed a medical team led by Chief Medical Officer Dr. Irshad Hussain Naqvi.

The medical deployment comes as the protest reaches its third day and discussions between the two sides remain unresolved. The next stage of talks will be crucial to securing an agreement on student representation and the process for holding elections.