Jamia protest continues over students’ union demand, four on hunger strike
New Delhi: The protest at Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) in Delhi continued on Sunday with four students on hunger strike and demonstrators demanding the restoration of the students’ union. Around 200 students were still inside the campus as security personnel were deployed in large numbers outside the university.
Access to the protest site through Gate No. 7 and nearby gates has been restricted. Students have alleged that they are not being allowed to take food and water inside the campus. Police personnel have also been making repeated announcements over loudspeakers, asking students to leave the university premises and nearby footpaths.
The agitation began on October 12 with protesters seeking the restoration of the Jamia Millia Islamia Students’ Union (JMISU) and the removal of the university’s Chief Proctor. Students have also accused the administration of taking action against those participating in the demonstration.
Why are Jamia students protesting?
The students’ union was suspended in 2006 following repeated incidents of violence including clashes, attacks on teachers and disruptions to classes. Protesters are now pressing for its restoration with the hunger strike continuing amid a standoff with the university administration.
The situation intensified after the university announced on Saturday that all classes would shift online with immediate effect until further notice. The administration also closed the library, canteens and main entry gates.
Students have criticised the move, alleging that the decision was intended to clear the campus and weaken the ongoing protest near the Ghalib statue lawns.
Students raise concerns over online classes
Student Mohammad Ayan Khan told news agency ANI that the shift to online classes had raised concerns about studies and preparations for upcoming examinations.
“I saw that notice, and our friends saw it too, but they did all this on purpose. First of all, they told the students to leave, saying they wouldn’t let them inside. The students had just one demand: they were losing out on their studies. If you don’t let us inside, how will we handle our upcoming exams?” Khan said.
He also alleged that the administration was using online classes as a reason to remove protesters from the campus. “So they said they were shifting everything online to give themselves a solid excuse to kick the students out,” he added.
The protest continues as students and the university administration remain at odds over the union’s restoration and the handling of the agitation. The continued hunger strike and security restrictions have added to tensions on campus.