New Delhi: Tensions have intensified at Jamia Millia Islamia University in Delhi amid an ongoing student protest demanding the restoration of the students’ union and the resumption of its election process. In view of the prevailing situation, the university administration has announced that classes for all courses will be conducted online with immediate effect until further notice.

In a notice issued on October 24, the university said the decision had been taken as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety and security of students on campus. Faculty members have been directed to make the necessary arrangements for online teaching and provide students with academic support and learning materials.

The move comes as the agitation, which began on October 12, continues to put pressure on the university administration, with five students on hunger strike.

Students Demand Restoration of Students’ Union

The protesting students are demanding the restoration of the Jamia Millia Islamia Students’ Union (JMISU), which was dissolved in March 2006. They are also seeking the withdrawal of suspension orders and show-cause notices issued to students involved in the agitation.

Another key demand is the removal of the university’s Chief Proctor, whom the protesters accuse of taking action against demonstrators. The students have said they will continue their agitation until their demands are addressed.

The hunger strike entered its 13th day on October 24, with five students continuing to press for elected student representation and a resolution to the disciplinary issues.

AISA Alleges Assault During Negotiations

The situation became more tense after the All India Students’ Association (AISA) alleged that protesting students and hunger strikers were targeted during discussions with the university administration.

AISA claimed that the protest site was being dismantled and students were being subjected to force while negotiations were underway. Videos circulated on social media purportedly showed security personnel removing a protest camp at the Gulistan-i-Ghalib garden inside the campus and asking students to disperse.

The allegations have not been independently established. The university administration’s stated reason for shifting classes online is to safeguard students amid the ongoing situation.

‘Free Kashmir’ Graffiti Controversy Adds to Tensions

The campus unrest has also been accompanied by controversy over posters and graffiti bearing slogans such as “Free Kashmir” and “Free Sharjeel Imam”.

Some student protesters have denied involvement in the graffiti and called for an investigation to establish who was responsible. They have urged the university administration to examine CCTV footage rather than link the slogans to the ongoing agitation without evidence.

The controversy has added another dimension to the dispute, which primarily centres on student representation, disciplinary action and the restoration of the students’ union.

Political Leaders’ Visits Draw Attention

The protests have also drawn political attention. On October 23, Congress MP Imran Masood was detained by Delhi Police after visiting the university to express solidarity with the protesting students, according to media reports. The developments have further intensified public discussion surrounding the campus agitation.

Online Classes Until Further Notice

The university has instructed deans, heads of departments, directors, faculty members and students to follow the online class schedule until further notice. No date has been announced for the resumption of physical classes.

The administration’s decision is intended to maintain academic continuity while addressing safety concerns. However, with the students continuing their hunger strike and key demands still unresolved, uncertainty remains over when the campus situation will return to normal.

For now, the central issues remain the restoration of the students’ union, the withdrawal of disciplinary action against protesting students and the handling of the ongoing agitation by the university administration.