Delhi: Protests rock Jamia Millia Islamia, 10 students detained

Delhi Police detained over 10 Jamia Millia Islamia University students on Thursday after they protested against disciplinary action taken against two PhD scholars. The university had issued show-cause notices to these students for organizing a demonstration last year against its policies.

Police responded to a request from the university administration and removed the protesters around 4 am. Heavy security was deployed outside the campus to maintain order. The protest began on Monday, with students condemning what they called an administration crackdown on student activism.

Students specifically opposed the disciplinary action against the PhD scholars linked to the December 2024 “Jamia Resistance Day” event, which marked the anniversary of the 2019 anti-CAA protests. The university accused the protesters of vandalizing property, damaging the central canteen, and breaking the security advisor’s office gate.

The administration stated that students violated university rules and carried objectionable contraband items. Officials emphasized that damages to property, defacement of walls, and obstruction of classes prompted preventive measures to ensure academic activities continued as usual.

According to police sources, Jamia University requested their intervention to remove the protesters and prevent further disruptions. A police statement confirmed the removal of detained students and ongoing investigations.

Despite the administration’s offer to discuss grievances through a committee, protesters reportedly refused to engage with university officials, including the Supervisor, Head, and Dean. The administration, with support from the Proctorial team, evicted the protesters and sought police assistance to maintain order.

Student leader Sonakshi told PTI that protesters have four key demands: revoking show-cause notices issued to the PhD students, repealing the 2022 Office Memorandum restricting campus protests, scrapping the ₹50,000 fine for graffiti and posters, and ensuring no future disciplinary action against student protesters.

The university’s disciplinary committee will meet on February 25 to review the role of the PhD students in organizing “Jamia Resistance Day” on December 15, 2024.