The protest at Jamia Millia Islamia intensified on Sunday as students continued demanding the restoration of the university’s students’ union, with four protesters remaining on hunger strike and heavy security deployed around the campus. Around 200 students were still inside the university premises as police restricted access to the protest site and repeatedly appealed to students to vacate the area. The agitation, which began on October 12, has escalated into a wider standoff between students and the university administration over representation, disciplinary action and the handling of demonstrations. The protesters are demanding the restoration of the Jamia Millia Islamia Students’ Union (JMISU), the announcement of a schedule for union elections and the removal of the university’s chief proctor. They have also called for disciplinary action against protesting students to be withdrawn. Students argue that an elected union would give them a formal platform to raise campus-related concerns and hold the administration accountable.

The union was dissolved in 2006, and elections have not been held since 2005. The situation became more tense over the weekend after the university administration announced that classes across all courses would move online with immediate effect until further notice. The administration said the decision was taken as a precaution to protect students and maintain safety amid the continuing unrest. The university also closed library facilities and canteens and restricted access through the main gates. Protesters, however, alleged that the move was intended to clear the campus and weaken their agitation. Some students also expressed concern about the impact of online classes on their academic schedules and preparations for upcoming examinations. Students have alleged that security personnel removed a protest tent and attempted to disperse those participating in the hunger strike.

They also claimed that protesters were moved from the original site near Gate No. 7 to a building inside the campus. The All India Students’ Association (AISA) accused the university administration of using force against students while discussions were under way. These allegations have not been independently established, and the administration has cited safety and security concerns as the reason for its measures. A controversy over alleged graffiti on campus walls has added another dimension to the dispute. Images circulated on social media purportedly showed slogans including “Free Kashmir” and references to Sharjeel Imam, an accused in the February 2020 northeast Delhi riots case. The claims triggered a political dispute, with the Bharatiya Janata Party demanding clarification from the Congress after Congress MP Imran Masood visited the campus to meet protesting students.

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Masood denied that the students’ demonstration involved calls for Kashmir’s separation from India and said those responsible for the alleged graffiti should be identified. Protesters have also denied involvement and called for an investigation using campus security footage. The university administration has taken steps towards addressing the demand for a students’ union. It announced the formation of a five-member committee to draft a constitution for the proposed union. However, protesters have maintained that they want a clear timetable for elections and concrete action on their other demands. The dispute has continued despite discussions between students and university representatives, with protesters saying that earlier talks did not produce a satisfactory outcome. The agitation has also affected campus activities beyond regular classes. The university cancelled its 106th Foundation Day celebrations, known as Talimi Mela, which had been scheduled from October 29 to November 1.

The administration said normalcy had not been restored and cited the safety of students, guests and participants in explaining the decision. The cancellation followed the closure of library facilities and restrictions imposed during the protests. Security arrangements remained tight on Sunday, with access to the protest site through Gate No. 7 and nearby entrances restricted. Students alleged that they faced difficulties bringing food and water inside, while police personnel used loudspeakers to ask those gathered on campus and nearby footpaths to leave. The continued presence of students and the hunger strike indicate that the dispute remains unresolved. The central issue remains the restoration of elected student representation at Jamia Millia Islamia and the conditions under which students can organise protests on campus. While the administration has cited security concerns and formed a committee to work on a union constitution, protesters are seeking a definite election schedule and the withdrawal of disciplinary measures. Further discussions between the two sides will determine whether the standoff can be resolved and normal academic activity restored.

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