Over 10 Jamia Millia Islamia University students were detained by Delhi Police on Thursday following a protest against the university’s disciplinary action targeting two PhD scholars.
The scholars had been issued show-cause notices for allegedly organizing a demonstration last year against the university’s policies.
A police source stated, “We removed over 10 students around 4 am after receiving a request from the university administration. Heavy police security has been deployed outside the campus to maintain law and order.”
The protests, which began on Monday, were led by students condemning what they described as the administration’s “crackdown on student activism.” The demonstrations specifically opposed the disciplinary measures taken against the two PhD scholars in connection with the December 2024 “Jamia Resistance Day” event, which commemorated the anniversary of the 2019 anti-Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) protests.
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The university administration accused the protesting students of vandalizing property, including the central canteen and the gate of the security advisor’s office, prompting the disciplinary action.
In a statement, the university said, “They have violated university rules and were found carrying objectionable contraband items. The administration, taking a strong view of the damage to property, defacement of walls, and disruption of academic activities, has taken preventive measures to ensure normalcy.”
Delhi Police Intervene at University’s Request
According to police sources, the university sought intervention to remove the protesters and prevent further disruptions. A police statement confirmed the detention of students and stated that investigations are ongoing.
The university also released a statement labeling the protest as unlawful and accusing students of carrying “objectionable items” and causing property damage. Despite the administration’s offer to address grievances through a committee, the protesters reportedly refused to engage with university officials, including the Supervisor, Head, and Dean.
With support from the Proctorial team, the university administration evicted the protesters from the campus and requested police assistance to maintain order.
Students Demands and Ongoing Tensions
Student leader Sonakshi, speaking to PTI, outlined four key demands: revocation of the show-cause notices issued to the two PhD scholars, withdrawal of the 2022 Office Memorandum that restricts on-campus protests, elimination of the ₹50,000 fine for graffiti and posters, and assurance against future disciplinary action for participating in protests.
The university’s disciplinary committee is scheduled to meet on February 25 to review the involvement of the two PhD students in organizing “Jamia Resistance Day” on December 15, 2024, an annual event marking the 2019 anti-CAA protests.
The situation remains tense as students and the administration continue to clash over issues of protest rights and disciplinary actions.