Students at Jamia Millia Islamia in New Delhi have refused to end their ongoing protest despite the university administration announcing plans to hold students' union elections. Tensions escalated on Monday as clashes broke out between protesting students and paramilitary personnel, while some protesters were detained and security was strengthened around the campus.
The students have been demanding the restoration of the Jamia Millia Islamia Students' Union (JMISU), whose elections have not been held since 2006. The agitation has continued for nearly two weeks, with protesters insisting that the administration announce a definite election schedule rather than make a general commitment to conduct polls.
Earlier on Monday, the university issued an order stating that students' union elections would be held within 15 days of the approval of the union's constitution. The administration also revoked suspension orders and show-cause notices issued to students during the protest. In addition, it announced a committee to investigate the conduct of security personnel during the agitation.
However, the announcement failed to satisfy the protesting students, who argued that the administration had not specified when the constitution would be approved or provided a firm deadline for the elections.
Hunger Strike Continues
Rehan Khan, one of two students on an indefinite hunger strike for 12 days, accused the university administration of attempting to divert attention from the students' demands. He said the protesters would not withdraw their agitation until a clear timeline for the elections was announced.
According to Khan, the administration had indicated that a draft constitution would be prepared by December 20, after which it would be approved and election dates announced within 15 days. However, he questioned whether the administration would approve the draft and argued that a definite deadline for the entire process was necessary.
The university's order followed discussions on a demand letter submitted by the hunger-striking students and their representatives. It also stated that the protesting students had agreed to issue a public apology over allegedly defamatory statements, actions or social media posts concerning the administration and remove such posts.
The administration had earlier formed a seven-member committee of professors to hold discussions with the protesters. A separate committee to draft the students' union constitution was notified on October 21.
Classes Shifted Online
Amid rising tensions, the university had shifted classes across all courses to online mode and advised students to avoid visiting the campus. The university gates and libraries were also ordered to remain closed until further notice.
The protesters have demanded a time-bound election schedule, the withdrawal of disciplinary action and an inquiry into alleged excesses by security personnel. They have also called for student representatives to be included in the process of drafting the union constitution.
With the students refusing to accept the latest announcement as sufficient, the standoff between the administration and protesters continues. The immediate resolution of the dispute will depend on whether both sides can reach an agreement on a clear and credible timeline for restoring student union elections.
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