New Delhi: Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) has shifted classes for all courses to online mode with immediate effect amid ongoing student protests demanding the restoration of the university’s students’ union.
In a notice issued on Saturday, October 24, the university said the move was a precautionary measure intended to safeguard students’ safety and well-being. The online arrangement will remain in place until further notice.
The administration has directed deans, heads of departments, directors, faculty members and students to follow the online class schedule and ensure regular participation in academic activities.
Faculty members have also been asked to make the necessary arrangements for conducting online sessions and provide students with academic support and learning materials.
Why Are Jamia Students Protesting?
The shift to online classes comes as students continue their agitation seeking the restoration of the Jamia Millia Islamia Students’ Union (JMISU).
Five students remained on hunger strike for the 13th consecutive day on Saturday. The protest began on October 12, with demonstrators also demanding the removal of the university’s Chief Proctor, alleging action against students participating in the agitation.
Jasim Ali Khan, one of the hunger strikers who has been participating since the protest began, accused the university administration of initiating a crackdown and called for the revocation of student suspensions.
Another protester, Anas, demanded the withdrawal of show-cause notices issued to students by the proctor and disciplinary committee. He said the demonstration would continue until the students’ union was restored.
The students’ union at Jamia was dissolved in March 2006, according to the information provided by the protesters.
AISA Alleges Assault On Students During Negotiations
Amid the continuing agitation, the All India Students’ Association (AISA) alleged that the university administration had begun assaulting students while negotiations were underway.
In a press release, the organisation claimed that hunger strikers and the protest site were being targeted. The allegation had not been independently verified in the information available at the time of publication.
The development has added to tensions surrounding the protest, which has continued despite demands for discussions and action on the students’ concerns.
Protesters Deny Involvement In ‘Free Kashmir’ Graffiti
The controversy has also drawn attention to graffiti bearing the slogan “Free Kashmir” on the university campus.
Anas denied that the protesting students or hunger strikers were responsible for the graffiti and called on the university administration to investigate the incident.
He argued that the issue was being used to create a narrative that could disrupt the demonstration. He also urged the administration to examine CCTV footage to establish who was responsible for writing the slogan.
The protester maintained that the demonstration had remained peaceful and would continue in the same manner. His statements represent the protesters’ position on the controversy.
How Did The Jamia Protest Begin?
The students began their protest and hunger strike on October 12, seeking the restoration of the students’ union. During the initial days of the agitation, an attempt by Delhi Police to remove protesters from the designated protest site on campus reportedly led to an escalation of the demonstration.
With the university now moving classes online, the administration’s decision marks a further development in the ongoing dispute. Classes will continue through online platforms until the university issues further instructions.
