Jamia Millia Islamia Moves All Classes Online After Student Protest Turns Violent
Jamia Millia Islamia in Delhi has shifted all classes online until further notice after students protesting for the restoration of campus union elections clashed with security guards. The confrontation reportedly began when guards attempted to remove tents set up by protesters. The protest, which began on October 12, has also sparked controversy over posters and slogans supporting Sharjeel Imam and calling for a “Free Kashmir.”
New Delhi: Jamia Millia Islamia has moved all classes online with immediate effect following a clash between protesting students and campus security guards on Saturday. The students were demanding the restoration of elections to the Jamia Millia Islamia Students' Union (JMISU), which was disbanded in 2006.
According to reports, tensions escalated when security guards monitoring the protest attempted to remove tents erected by the students. Videos circulating on social media showed protesters and security personnel involved in a scuffle, with some students attempting to separate those involved and calm the situation.
The university subsequently announced that all courses would be conducted online until further notice, citing concerns over the prevailing situation and the safety and security of students.
Students Demand Restoration of Campus Union Elections
The protest began on October 12, with students demanding the reintroduction of elections to the Jamia Millia Islamia Students' Union.
The union was disbanded in 2006 following incidents of campus violence that reportedly disrupted academic activities. The latest protest has renewed demands for the restoration of student representation through campus elections.
The confrontation over the removal of protest tents further escalated tensions on the university campus, prompting the administration to shift academic activities to online mode.
Controversy Over 'Free Kashmir' and 'Free Sharjeel Imam' Posters
The protest has also drawn controversy after posters bearing slogans such as “Free Kashmir,” “Free Sharjeel Imam” and “RSS Go Back” reportedly appeared on campus.
Sharjeel Imam, a former Jawaharlal Nehru University research scholar, has been jailed in connection with cases related to the anti-Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) protests and faces serious charges, including anti-terror provisions.
The posters and slogans have triggered political reactions, with leaders debating the intent behind the messages and the action taken against the protesters.
Congress MP Imran Masood was briefly detained by Delhi Police on Friday night after visiting Jamia to express solidarity with the protesting students, according to the report. Masood distanced himself from the controversial slogans and said he did not support them. He also questioned the action against the students and called for their reinstatement.
Speaking to Aaj Tak, Masood said Kashmir was an integral part of India and asserted that he would give his life to protect the country's territorial integrity.
University Orders Online Classes Until Further Notice
In a notice issued on Saturday, the Office of the Registrar directed that all courses be conducted online until further notice.
The order, issued by Registrar Professor Md Mahtab Alam Rizvi, cited the prevailing situation and the need to ensure the safety and security of students on campus.
The university clarified that academic activities would continue despite the change in teaching mode. The directive applies to all courses and is not limited to any particular department or programme.
Deans, heads of departments, directors, faculty members and students have been instructed to comply with the order and ensure regular participation in online classes.
Faculty Asked to Arrange Online Teaching
Faculty members have been directed to make the necessary arrangements for online classes and provide students with relevant academic support and learning materials.
The university has not announced a date for the resumption of physical classes. Students have been advised to follow schedules and instructions issued by their respective departments through official communication channels.
Giriraj Singh Criticises Opposition Leaders
Union Minister Giriraj Singh criticised Opposition leaders over what he described as their silence on the controversial slogans reported on the Jamia campus.
He questioned Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav and Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray over their response to the issue.
Singh also condemned the slogans reportedly displayed on campus and called for those responsible to be identified. His remarks added to the political debate surrounding the student protest.
The university's decision to move classes online comes amid continued uncertainty over the protest and the controversy surrounding the slogans. Further updates regarding the resumption of in-person classes are awaited.