More than 10 students from Jamia Millia Islamia University were taken by the police during a protest over the university’s punishment of two PhD students. These students received warnings for holding a demonstration last year, and many classmates are now speaking out against what they see as a clampdown on student activism.
The protest started on Monday. Students said the university was wrong to act against them. The university claims the protesting students damaged school property, like the central canteen, and broke a gate at the security office. Because of this, the university asked the police for help to keep the peace.
Police arrived early Thursday morning and took away the more than 10 students after the university requested it. They also sent extra police to the campus to help maintain order.
According to the university, only a small group of students gathered illegally in the academic area since February 10. This protest disturbed classes and blocked other students from using the Central Library, especially with exams coming up. They also stated that the protesters caused damage and brought in items that were not allowed.
The university said it tried to talk to the students about their concerns but they refused to meet with officials. In response to the situation, the administration and campus security removed the students.
Student leader Sonakshi shared that the protesters have four main demands: 1) Cancel the warnings to the two PhD students, 2) Take back the 2022 rules that limit protests on campus, 3) Remove the fine of Rs 50,000 for graffiti and posters, and 4) Promise that no student will face punishment for joining protests.
The university’s disciplinary committee plans to meet on February 25 to discuss the actions of the two PhD students related to an event called Jamia Resistance Day, which remembers protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) from 2019.
Leave a Reply