Jamia Millia Islamia Students Continue Stir for Union Elections

Overview of the Ongoing Demonstrations at Jamia Millia Islamia

Agitations at jamia millia islamia reached their seventh consecutive day as students persisted with their hunger strike at gate number 7. The demonstrators are primarily demanding the official reinstatement of the campus students union, arguing that they have lacked a formal representative platform for nearly two decades.

Library Closures and Administrative Actions

Amid the growing unrest, the university administration decided to shut down two major campus facilities—the Dr. Zakir Husain Library and the Old Library—pointing to security-related concerns. Meanwhile, security personnel continue to maintain a presence outside the grounds, checking valid identification cards for entry while protesters claim they are restricted from leaving the premises.

These developments follow disciplinary measures enacted against two participating individuals. Ebin Basil faced a one-year rustication, while postgraduate student Jasim Ali received a six-month campus ban. Protesters have also called for the resignation of Chief Proctor Prof. Mohammad Asad Malik over allegations regarding the removal of students from gate number 7, an assertion the university has denied by stating individuals were only asked to move away from unauthorized protest areas.

Student Concerns and Official Response

Student representatives emphasized that the lack of a functional union leaves them without a meaningful channel to communicate concerns, noting that current pathways like writing to the Dean of Students’ Welfare rarely yield results. Although Delhi Police officials met with the demonstrators to urge an end to the fast, the protest continues despite health warnings issued for participants like Basil.

In response to the evolving situation, the university has formed a seven-member committee tasked with addressing the various demands raised by the student body.

Sources: The Hindu, The Quint, The Times of India.