Students of Mohammad Ali Jauhar University launch sit in against demolition

Rampur: Students of Mohammad Ali Jauhar University began a sit-in protest on the university campus on Saturday evening, demanding that the Rampur Development Authority withdraw its proposed demolition order against the institution.

Carrying placards and raising slogans, the students appealed to the Uttar Pradesh government to stop the proposed demolition, arguing that the university serves as an important centre for higher education and that any such action would put the future of thousands of students at risk, Maktoob Media reported.

The protest followed reports that authorities were considering demolishing most of the campus buildings after legal and administrative proceedings concerning land ownership and alleged irregularities.

Students said the proposed demolition would severely disrupt academic activities and create uncertainty over their education.

Law student Ikra Bi said the protest was aimed at protecting both the university and the future of its students. Ikra urged the government to withdraw the demolition proposal and ensure that students did not suffer because of the ongoing dispute.

The protesters also appealed to the authorities to resolve the matter through legal and administrative channels without affecting the university's infrastructure or ongoing classes.

Another student, Saqib Syed, who has been participating in the sit-in since it began, said the students were seeking the withdrawal of the proposed demolition while allowing the university to continue functioning. He said their academic future and careers were at stake and added that the protest would continue until the administration gave a clear assurance that the demolition plan had been cancelled.

The students also demanded a written guarantee from the authorities stating that no demolition would be carried out.

Moulana Mohammad Ali Jauhar University, established by Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan in Rampur, has been involved in several legal disputes over the years, including cases related to land acquisition and ownership. Multiple cases involving the university and its founder are currently pending before the courts.

Meanwhile, critics, Opposition leaders and several Muslim organisations alleged that the latest demolition order was politically motivated rather than based on technical grounds. They claimed it was part of a political campaign against senior Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan and reflected the BJP government's broader "bulldozer politics" targeting Muslim-owned institutions.

There was no immediate response from the district administration to the students' demands. The protesters said they would continue their sit-in until the authorities clarified their stand and formally withdrew the proposed demolition.