Jamia Millia Islamia on Wednesday alleged widespread vandalism on its campus through Tuesday night, claiming that groups of protesting students and locals damaged university gates and boundary walls, brought down Gate 4C, threw stones, and damaged CCTV cameras and their control room amid an ongoing protest.
The allegations came amid protests against the university administration’s decision to restrict access to the campus, with hostel residents particularly angered by the closure of Gate 4C, which they use to enter the university. There are two halls – Zakir Hussain Hall and Jauhar Hall — that house eight hostels. Residents of these hostels were angry about the administration’s decision to close the entry. They broke the gate to gain entry to the campus.
A protesting student, not wishing to be identified, said, “The university administration had sealed Gate 4C, which is used by hostel students to reach the university campus. The administration said damage to classrooms, laboratories, libraries, entrances, exits and security systems could compromise the safety of the university community, apart from causing significant financial losses. The university said the damage to its infrastructure and security arrangements left faculty members and non-teaching staff distressed, adding that the safety and well-being of the entire campus community were at stake.
He said they will chalk out the further course of action on Wednesday.
