Jamia Millia Islamia shifted all classes online with immediate effect until further notice on Saturday amid ongoing student protests demanding the restoration of the students’ union.
The university stated that the decision was taken as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety and well-being of students. Deans, heads, directors, faculty members, and bonafide students have been directed to adhere to the online class schedule and ensure regular participation in academic activities.
As classes moved to digital platforms, the All India Students’ Association (AISA) alleged that the administration began assaulting students during negotiations. The development coincides with a hunger strike by five university students entering its 13th day on Saturday, pressed by demands to restore the Jamia Millia Students’ Union (JMISU) and remove the Chief Proctor.
Key Points Of The Jamia Millia Islamia Protests
- Jamia Millia Islamia shifted all classes to online mode until further notice as a precautionary measure amid student demonstrations.
- The hunger strike by student protesters entered its 13th day on Saturday.
- Protesters are demanding the restoration of the Jamia Millia Students’ Union, which was dissolved in March 2006.
- Students are also calling for the removal of the Chief Proctor and the revocation of student suspensions and show-cause notices.
Why Are Jamia Millia Islamia Students Protesting?
The student agitation began on October 12, with protesters pressing for the restoration of the students’ union that was dissolved in March 2006. During the initial days of the demonstration, Delhi Police attempted to remove protesters from the designated campus site, leading to an escalation of the protests.
Jasim Ali Khan, who has been on a hunger strike since the inception of the protest, accused the university administration of launching a crackdown and demanded that student suspensions be revoked. Another protester, Anas, demanded the revocation of show-cause notices issued by the proctor and disciplinary committee, adding that the protests will continue until their core demands are met.
Allegations And Campus Controversy
Addressing the controversy over graffiti on the university campus showcasing a Free Kashmir slogan, Anas argued that a narrative was being peddled to disrupt the peaceful protest. He urged the administration to investigate the matter using security cameras to clear the situation.
“A narrative is being peddled to disrupt the protest. We don’t know whether the administration or someone is peddling this. This is a matter of investigation since the responsibility for the security of Jamia lies with the admin. You check the cameras to see who is writing such slogans and clear the matter. The protesters and hunger strikers are absolutely not involved in this. The protest has been peaceful since day one and will remain the same in future,” Anas said.
Meanwhile, AISA alleged in a press release that the administration attacked the hunger strikers and the protest site. The student body claimed that the action reveals the most brutal face of the Jamia administration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Jamia Millia Islamia shift classes online?
Jamia Millia Islamia shifted all classes online as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety and well-being of students amid ongoing student protests and a hunger strike on the university campus.
What are the main demands of the Jamia Millia Islamia protesters?
The student protesters at Jamia Millia Islamia are demanding the restoration of the Jamia Millia Students’ Union, the removal of the Chief Proctor, and the revocation of student suspensions and show-cause notices.
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