News Desk: Jamia Millia Islamia has alleged that its campus witnessed widespread vandalism on Tuesday night amid ongoing protests against restrictions on campus access. The university claimed that protesting students and local people damaged gates, boundary walls and CCTV cameras, raising concerns over the safety of students, faculty members and other staff.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, October 28, the university alleged that protesters damaged several parts of the campus, including Gate 4C, which was brought down. It also claimed that stones were thrown and the CCTV control room was damaged during the unrest.
The protests centre on the university administration’s decision to restrict access to the campus. Hostel residents were particularly angered by the closure of Gate 4C, which they use to enter the university. The gate serves students living in Zakir Hussain Hall and Jauhar Hall, which together accommodate eight hostels.
A protesting student said hostel residents broke the gate to regain access to the campus. The student added that protesters would decide their next course of action on Wednesday.
The university said its proctorial team and teachers rushed to the campus after receiving reports of the alleged vandalism. According to the administration, videos, CCTV footage and social media posts indicated that heavy iron rods, hammers and other tools had been used to damage university infrastructure.
The administration further alleged that women faculty members, wardens and provosts were threatened when they attempted to engage with female protesters. It said the incidents occurred shortly after another effort to hold discussions with the protesting students.
The university claimed it had made seven attempts to engage with protesters, including discussions with committee members and teachers on Tuesday evening. It expressed concern that the damage had continued despite these efforts.
Jamia has shifted to online classes, as announced on October 24. The administration warned that damage to classrooms, laboratories, libraries, entrances, exits and security systems could affect campus safety and cause substantial financial losses.
Meanwhile, Ebin Basil, a National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) leader who is on an indefinite hunger strike, accused the administration of restricting access to food, water and medical assistance for protesters. In a video message, he urged students to continue the movement peacefully and avoid damaging property or engaging in violence.
Delhi Police said they had not received a complaint from the university regarding the alleged vandalism and had not entered the campus.
The situation remains tense as the dispute over campus access continues, with the university raising security concerns and protesters demanding changes to the restrictions.
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