Jamia Millia Islamia Shifts Classes Online Amid Student Protests
Following clashes between students and guards, Jamia Millia Islamia has transitioned to online classes as protests escalate over student union elections.
Protests at Jamia Millia Islamia demand restoration of student union elections.
Clashes occurred when guards attempted to dismantle protest tents.
University administration alleges political interference from visiting Congress MPs.
In a significant escalation of ongoing protests, Jamia Millia Islamia in Delhi has moved all classes online after a confrontation between students advocating for the reestablishment of student union elections and university guards. The clash erupted as guards attempted to dismantle tents set up by the protesters, including those participating in a hunger strike.
The protests, which began on October 12, are rooted in the students' demand for the revival of the Jamia Millia Islamia Students' Union (JMISU), disbanded in 2006 following incidents of violence that disrupted academic activities. The university's registrar, Mahtab Alam Rizvi, attributed the unrest to the actions of Congress leaders who visited the campus, claiming their presence incited students and turned them into political pawns.
CPI(M) MP John Brittas has raised concerns regarding the absence of an elected student body for nearly two decades, emphasizing constitutional rights to free speech and assembly. He has urged Union Education Minister Pralhad Joshi to address the issue, citing guidelines from the University Grants Commission and recommendations from the Lyngdoh Committee regarding student elections. In response to the unrest, Rizvi confirmed that a complaint has been lodged with the Delhi Police.
The student body has accused the administration of heavy-handedness, particularly after guards forcibly attempted to remove hunger strikers. Imran Pratapgarhi, one of the visiting Congress MPs, condemned the university's actions, asserting that the administration's attempts to intimidate students would ultimately fail. He vowed to return to support the students if necessary.
Tensions have further escalated due to the emergence of anti-national slogans on campus walls, which some students allege were planted to discredit their movement. The BJP has called for an investigation into these slogans, linking them to Jammu and Kashmir. Student Abin Basil condemned the slogans while reiterating their primary demand for student union elections. He dismissed claims that the MPs' visit had a negative impact on campus morale, asserting their role as representatives of the students.
