Authoritarianism: Jamia Milia students protest at Jantar Mantar

New Delhi: Students from Jamia Millia Islamia organized a protest at Jantar Mantar against the continuing authoritarianism of the university administration on Wednesday, according to a press release from the Fraternity Movement.

The protesters included 17 students from Jamia who were suspended around a week ago for organizing an event to commemorate the police crackdown on 2020 CAA-NRC protesters. There were other students from various universities across Delhi, with professors and activists, who gathered in solidarity to demand democratic spaces on campuses and to challenge the perceived bias of authorities towards minority institutions, the release said.

The protest recalled Jamia’s historic role in India’s freedom struggle as also its participation in the CAA-NRC movement. Professor Virendra Chauhan from Zakir Hussain College, Delhi University, and Professor Mosmi Basu voiced their unwavering support for the students and condemned the administration’s intimidation tactics.

Social activist and Jamia alumna Sehba Farooq reminisced about her time at Jamia, recalling the Jamia Students’ Union and the spirit of resistance it once embodied. She applauded the protesting students for their resilience and criticized the fear-driven actions of the administration and government, which led to the students union's dissolution.

JNU-SU President Dannjay reaffirmed JNU’s unconditional solidarity with Jamia students and condemned the increasing control over university spaces by ruling authorities. He assured JNU-SU’s continued support for the suspended students.

Activist Bano Jyotsna, lawyer Rahesh Tyagi, and writer Jayant Jikyasu were also present.

The suspended students shared their harrowing experiences of detention, describing the physical aggression they faced from both the Delhi Police and Jamia security personnel. The protest site was charged with slogans of resistance and determination, amplifying the students’ demand for justice, the press release said