A three-week student protest at Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) over a proposed fee hike concluded early Monday, August 18, 2025, after a breakthrough agreement between the university administration and student leaders. The resolution followed an indefinite hunger strike by two students, which began on August 14 and ended when they broke their fast after the university proposed a “new compromise formula” on annual fees, according to AMU Proctor Mohamad Waseem Ali. Specific details of the revised fee structure remain undisclosed.

In addition to addressing the fee hike, the university agreed to hold long-overdue students’ union elections in December, fulfilling another key demand of the protesters. The resolution brought relief to the campus, with police forces, stationed at the university gates for 10 days, withdrawn by Monday morning amid concerns over the deteriorating health of the hunger strikers.

However, tensions resurfaced later that day when reports emerged of Hindu Raksha Dal activists planning a Hanuman Chalisa ceremony at the university entrance, purportedly to “purify” the campus following allegations of pro-Palestine slogans raised during the protests. Proctor Waseem noted that the university is investigating the claims but declined to comment further pending a full probe. Heavy police and paramilitary forces were redeployed to maintain peace and prevent potential disruptions.

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The developments highlight ongoing challenges at AMU as it navigates internal resolutions and external controversies.

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