Jamia Millia Islamia, a university in New Delhi, has shifted all classes online with immediate effect after clashes between protesting students and security guards escalated tensions over demands to restore the university’s students’ union. The university announced the decision on Saturday, October 24, citing the need to ensure students’ safety and security. Online teaching will continue until further notice.
The protests, which began on October 12, centre on demands to restore the Jamia Millia Islamia Students’ Union (JMISU), dissolved in 2006 after campus violence disrupted academic activities. Students have also demanded an official schedule for union elections, withdrawal of disciplinary action against three protesters, and the removal of the university’s chief proctor and security adviser. Five students have been on an indefinite hunger strike over the same.
Tensions intensified on Saturday as students accused university officials and security personnel of attempting to dismantle their protest camp and forcibly move hunger strikers to hospital. The administration has clearly stated that its actions were intended to address the situation on campus.
The confrontation followed visits by Congress MPs Imran Pratapgarhi and Imran Masood to the campus on Friday, October 23. Jamia Registrar Mahtab Alam Rizvi said that the politicians’ entry had disturbed the campus environment and contributed to the escalation. The university has reportedly filed a complaint with Delhi Police over the incident.
The unrest has also drawn attention to allegations surrounding slogans reportedly raised during the protests. Students and political representatives have disputed claims that slogans calling for a “Free Kashmir” were raised, adding another contentious issue to an already volatile situation. But were “Free Kashmir” slogans raised? We don’t know.
For now, the shift to online classes means regular campus teaching has been suspended without a confirmed date for its resumption. While the university says the measure is precautionary, protesters view the developments as an attempt to weaken their movement.
