New Delhi: The student protest at Jamia Millia Islamia, which has been ongoing for the past 14–15 days demanding the restoration of the students’ union, has intensified. Students are outraged following an order by the university administration to close all campus gates. The students allege that the administration is acting out of fear and attempting to suppress the movement through violent means, including the removal of students who were on a hunger strike.
The students have put forward three demands: the restoration of the students’ union, the lifting of all restrictions imposed on the protesters, and the resignation of the Proctor. Furthermore, students point out that the Ibn Sina Library remains open until 2:00 AM, and with as many as seven students sharing a single room, the closure of the gates will severely hinder their studies.
A student protesting at Jamia Millia Islamia stated, “Our strategy has been clear from the very beginning. We have been protesting here for the last 14–15 days, and some students are on a hunger strike. We have only one demand: we want a students’ union. We are continuing our protest based on this demand, and our stance is firm—we will not leave until our demands are met and the students’ union is restored.”
Another student remarked, “They are trying to clear our entire protest site and force us out. They are creating a violent atmosphere on campus, but we remain steadfast. We are simply asking for our demands to be met—just give us our union. Look at how they are currently dragging the students away.”
A third student added, “Our three demands are crystal clear: first, the restoration of the students’ union; second, the removal of all restrictions placed on the protesters; and third, the resignation of the Proctor.” A protest could not be more peaceful than this—those involved were on a hunger strike. Yet, an attempt is being made to suppress it in a highly violent manner.
They stated that the issue is that by bringing in a large number of police personnel and security guards, an attempt is being made to remove us from here. They have done this before, too—forcibly removing students.
One student remarked that they are trying to clear our entire protest site and drive us out. They are creating a violent atmosphere on campus, but we remain steadfast. We are demanding that our requirements be met—just give us a union. Look at how they are dragging students away right now.
Regarding the order to close all gates at Jamia Millia Islamia, one student said, “I believe the university administration is under significant pressure. Many students live in the surrounding areas precisely so they can study in the library at night. The Ibn Sina Library stays open until 2:00 AM, and students study there late into the night. I think this decision will negatively impact their studies. Many students share a single room, making the library their primary place for academic work. If the university gates are closed, it will create serious difficulties for the students.”
Another student noted that the university administration is clearly fearful and is attempting to suppress our demands. We come here to the reading hall every day because we live in shared rooms where studying is difficult. All of our classes have been moved online. “It seems the administration wants students to stay away from the university so that our demands remain unfulfilled.”
Another student remarked, “I believe the university administration is under significant pressure. Many students currently reside in the surrounding areas precisely so they can study in the library at night. The Ibn-e-Sina Library remains open until 2:00 AM, and students often study there late into the night. This decision will negatively impact their studies.”
The student added that many students share rooms—with as many as seven people living in a single room—making the library their primary space for studying. If the university gates are closed, students will face serious difficulties.
