The united students of Jamia Millia Islamia, in a spirited protest against the systemic repression of their voices and the erosion of the university’s foundational values, boycotted classes and gathered at the Mohibul Hassan Block, marching towards the Dean of Students’ Welfare (DSW) to present a memorandum outlining their demands on Monday.
They marched towards the Dean of Students’ Welfare (DSW) to present a memorandum outlining their demands. The protest, fueled by Jamia’s legacy of anti-colonial resistance, saw students expressing their concerns about the increasing intimidation by college authorities, the targeting of students, and the alarming influence of the Sangh Parivar on the university’s administration.
As they marched, the students chanted their slogan, “Reclaim Jamia,” highlighting their demands for dignity, freedom of expression, and the preservation of the university’s democratic ethos.
In a symbolic act of resistance, they wore black ribbons to protest against the administration’s oppressive tactics and demonstrate their commitment to justice.
The memorandum presented to the administration outlined six key demands: the revocation of FIRs, suspensions, and disciplinary proceedings against dissenting students; the cessation of show-cause notices against students exercising their fundamental rights; the repeal of two Office Memoranda from 2022 and 2024; an end to the witch-hunt against students voicing dissent; and the withdrawal of a notice penalizing postering and graffiti on Jamia walls.
Despite the presence of over a hundred students, the DSW staff initially refused to engage, allowing only one student to submit the memorandum. Undeterred, the students insisted on collective representation, listing all their names on the document as a symbol of unity.
Later, an official emerged, permitting four students to enter the DSW office, assuring them of no punitive action. However, after presenting the memorandum, the officials remained non-committal, responding with a vague “dekhte hain” and offering little in the way of concrete assurances.
IThey have given the authorities 48 hours to respond to their demands, vowing to continue their protest if their concerns remain unaddressed.