Jamia Millia Islamia moves classes online after student-guard clash over election demand

New Delhi: Jamia Millia Islamia in New Delhi has moved classes online until the situation on campus improves after student protesters clashed with security guards during an ongoing agitation for the restoration of student union elections.

The clash took place on Saturday when guards allegedly tried to remove tents where protesting students had gathered, including those observing a hunger strike. The protest began on October 12 with students demanding the reinstatement of the Jamia Millia Islamia Students’ Union (JMISU).

The university’s decision comes amid growing tensions on campus over the protests and a separate controversy involving slogans and posters carrying messages such as “Free Kashmir” and “Free Sharjeel Imam”. The slogans have drawn criticism with the BJP demanding an investigation into the matter.

Jamia registrar blames Congress leaders for campus tension

Jamia registrar Mahtab Alam Rizvi alleged that Congress MPs Imran Pratapgarhi and Imran Masood had entered the campus by jumping over a wall during their visit on Friday. He claimed their actions disturbed the campus environment and contributed to the tensions.

Clash Reported at Jamia Millia Islamia: Students Allege Assault by University Official

New #Delhi – Tensions have reportedly escalated at Jamia Millia Islamia in New Delhi after protesting students alleged that members of the university administration assaulted students during ongoing negotiations on campus. According to the protesters, hunger strikers and the protest site were also targeted during the incident. The students have accused the university administration of using force against those participating in the demonstration.

— Siraj Noorani (@sirajnoorani) October 24, 2026

Rizvi also alleged that the leaders’ visit had influenced the protesting students and said a complaint had been filed with the Delhi Police. Meanwhile, the All India Students’ Association (AISA) accused the university administration of taking action against students without provocation including those on a hunger strike. The administration has rejected the allegations.

Congress MP Imran Masood, who visited the campus to express solidarity with the protesters, was detained by Delhi Police on Friday. He later distanced himself from the controversial posters and slogans, saying he did not support them.

“Those who want to break this movement should understand that Kashmir is an integral part of India. We would even give our lives to keep Kashmir as an integral part of India,” Masood said.

He also questioned the expulsion of students and demanded the restoration of the student union, describing the protesters as the country’s future.

Demand for student union elections continues

The students have been seeking the restoration of the JMISU which was disbanded in 2006 following campus violence that disrupted academic activities. The absence of an elected student body has remained a point of contention among sections of the student community.

The issue was also raised by CPI(M) MP John Brittas, who wrote to Union Education Minister Pralhad Joshi on October 21. In his letter, Brittas highlighted the absence of an elected union for nearly two decades and referred to constitutional protections for freedom of speech and association, University Grants Commission guidelines and the Lyngdoh Committee recommendations on student elections.

The university has yet to restore the electoral process while the protests and the controversy over the slogans have added to tensions on campus.