Jamia Millia Islamia protest enters 14th day as students press three demands
text_fields
New Delhi: The sit-in by Jamia Millia Islamia students entered its 14th day on Sunday, with protesters refusing to withdraw until the university restores the students’ union and reverses the disciplinary measures taken against those who took part in the agitation.
Security personnel remained stationed outside the campus as a precaution.
The protesters’ demands include the reinstatement of the Jamia Millia Islamia University Students’ Union (JMIUSU), withdrawal of suspensions and other action against students, and accountability for those allegedly involved in using force during the demonstrations.
Student Anish Khan told IANS that the protest had initially focused on the union’s restoration but later widened to cover three issues.
“The first is the restoration of the students’ union. The second concerns the actions taken against protesting students on October 17... students were treated harshly, with many facing disciplinary measures such as suspensions, show-cause notices, and bans from entering the campus,” he said.
According to him, the third demand is action against those accused of mistreating students during the protest. He also called for the resignation of the university Proctor.
Another protester, Farhan Israel, said the union must be restored and the Proctor and chief security advisor should step down. He further demanded that all disciplinary action against students be withdrawn.
Responding to reports of controversial slogans on campus walls, Israel said it had not been confirmed whether any slogans had been written. “Even if they were, they must have been written by people from the RSS or ABVP. Such actions are being taken to divert attention from our issues,” he said, adding that the students would continue the protest until their demands were met.
He alleged that the administration was trying to end the agitation forcibly, which was why additional security personnel had been deployed.
Tensions briefly rose at Gate No. 4 after students without hostel identity cards were stopped from entering the campus. An argument followed between students and security officials, but the situation was brought under control shortly afterwards.
Amid the continuing protest, the university has shifted classes for all courses online.
(Inputs from IANS)