New Delhi: Jamia Millia Islamia has shifted all classes to online mode with immediate effect as protests over the restoration of the students’ union entered their 13th day on Saturday.
The university said the decision would remain in place until further notice. It described the move as a precautionary measure aimed at ensuring students’ safety while allowing academic activities to continue without disruption.
In its notice, the university directed deans, heads of departments, directors, faculty members and students to follow the online class schedule. Teachers have also been asked to arrange online classes and provide students with the necessary study material and academic support.
The move comes as students continue their hunger strike and demand the restoration of the Jamia Millia Islamia Students’ Union (JMISU), which was dissolved in March 2006. They are also seeking the removal of the university’s Chief Proctor, accusing the administration of taking action against protesters.
Students Allege Attack on Protest Site
The All India Students’ Association (AISA) alleged that the university administration had begun assaulting students while negotiations were underway.
“The hunger strikers and the protest site are being attacked,” the organisation said in a statement, criticising the administration’s handling of the protest.
Five students were on hunger strike on Saturday. Jasim Ali Khan, who has been participating in the hunger strike since it began, accused the administration of launching a crackdown and demanded that the suspensions of students be revoked.
Another protester, Anas, called for the withdrawal of show-cause notices issued by the university’s proctor and disciplinary committee. He said the demonstration would continue until the students’ demands were met.
Students Deny Involvement in ‘Free Kashmir’ Graffiti
The protest has also been accompanied by a controversy over graffiti bearing the slogan “Free Kashmir” on the university campus.
Anas denied that the protesters were responsible and called on the administration to investigate the matter, including by checking campus CCTV footage. He said the protest had remained peaceful and would continue that way.
The students began their protest and hunger strike on October 12. During the initial days, Delhi Police attempted to remove protesters from the designated protest site on campus, leading to an escalation of the demonstration.
The university has not announced when offline classes will resume. Its latest notice states that online teaching will continue until further instructions are issued.