On Thursday, police in Delhi detained more than ten students from Jamia Millia Islamia University. This happened after the students protested against the university’s decision to take action against two PhD scholars. These scholars received notices for supposedly organizing a protest last year about the school’s rules.
A police source said, “We took over ten students away around 4 am after the university asked us to.” Heavy police presence was then organized outside the campus to keep order.
The protests started on Monday. Jamia students were upset about what they called a “crackdown on student activism.” The students were particularly angry about actions taken against two PhD scholars related to an event called “Jamia Resistance Day.” This event remembers the protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) that happened in 2019.
The university claims that the protesting students damaged property, like the central canteen, and broke a gate at the security advisor’s office. As a result, the university felt they had to act.
According to the university, the protesting students carried “objectionable contraband items” and caused damage. The administration said they needed to take measures to keep things running smoothly in classes.
Sources say the university asked for police help to remove the protestors to avoid further problems. The police stated they were working on the case. The university also claimed that the protest was unlawful and accused the students of vandalism.
Even though the university offered to talk about the protesters’ concerns, the students did not want to meet with officials, including the Supervisor, Head, and Dean.
In response, the university and support staff removed the protesters and requested police help for maintaining order. One student leader, Sonakshi, shared that the protesters have four demands:
1. Take back the show-cause notices for the two PhD students.
2. Cancel a 2022 rule that limits protests on campus.
3. Remove the fine of ₹50,000 for graffiti and posters.
4. Promise not to punish students in the future for protesting.
The disciplinary committee is set to meet on February 25 to review what the two PhD students did when they helped organize the “Jamia Resistance Day” on December 15, 2024.
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