Students of Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) on Monday rejected an appeal by the university to call off the protests, saying the notice issued to them failed to provide a clear and unambiguous announcement regarding the restoration of the students’ union, leaving several key concerns unaddressed. They reiterated that their agitation would continue.
The decision was accompanied by the closure of the library, canteens and main entry gates, prompting criticism from protesting students. The rejection comes after Jamia Millia Islamia Registrar Mahatab Alam Rizvi arrived at the University around 4:30am to engage in a dialogue with protesting students amid the ongoing agitation demanding the restoration of the students’ union . In the order issued on Monday, the university administration said the elections would be held within 15 days of the approval of the students’ union constitution.
The university administration announced on Saturday that all classes would be conducted online with immediate effect until further notice.
‘Protest will continue’: Students
The agitation, which began on October 12, centered on demands for the restoration of the Jamia Millia Islamia Students’ Union (JMISU) and the removal of the university’s Chief Proctor. The JMI Students’ Union was suspended in 2006 following repeated incidents of violent clashes, attacks on teachers and occasional disruptions to classes. The students maintained that their protest was aimed at securing their democratic rights and ensuring meaningful student representation on campus, rather than accepting vague assurances that left the central issue unresolved. Students are now demanding its restoration, with the current protest and hunger strike continuing amid a standoff with the university administration.
