Jamia protest: Students continue hunger strike, demand clear poll timeline
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New Delhi: Protesting students at Jamia Millia Islamia have refused to end their agitation despite the university’s decision to restore student union elections, demanding a firm timeline for the process and the resignation of its Chief Security Advisor.
In a letter submitted to the Vice-Chancellor on Monday, the students said their hunger strike and peaceful protest would continue until all their demands were addressed. They also rejected the administration’s call for a public apology over statements made during the agitation, maintaining that peaceful protest was a constitutional right.
The students have sought a definite schedule for finalising the students’ union constitution and conducting elections, withdrawal of disciplinary action against protesters, and the resignation of the Chief Security Advisor.
They criticised the university’s latest order as insufficient, arguing that it did not specify when the constitution would be approved or provide a clear roadmap for the elections. They also said the notice did not address their demand for the resignation of the Chief Proctor.
The administration announced on Monday that elections would be held within 15 days of approval of the union constitution and that disciplinary action against protesters would be revoked. It also said a committee would be formed to draft the constitution.
The agitation began on October 12, with students demanding the restoration of the Jamia Millia Islamia Students’ Union, which was dissolved in 2006. Several protesters have been on hunger strike.
With IANS inputs