New Delhi: Protests erupted again at Delhi’s Jamia Millia Islamia University on Monday, hours after the announcement of student union elections after nearly two decades. The protesting students are demanding a timeframe for the election process and the appointment of a Chief Election Officer.
Student union elections have not been held at the university since 2006. Students have been protesting and staging a hunger strike for nearly two weeks demanding the reinstatement of the Jamia Millia Islamia Students’ Union (JMISU).
Students gathered outside Gate No. 7, several detained
On Monday, around 100 girl students entered the university campus from different gates. Some of them gathered outside Gate No. 7. During this, the Delhi Police also detained several protesting students.
The protesting students raised slogans demanding “Delhi Police go back!” Amid tension on campus, security personnel allowed only hostel-based students to enter.
Asif Khan, a student of Jamia’s Faculty of Law, told Hindustan Times that the students are demanding the administration appoint a chief election officer and expedite the election process. He said the protests will continue until their demands are met.
Elections announced within 15 days
The university administration announced on Monday that elections will be held within 15 days from the date of approval of the student union constitution.
This decision was taken after nearly five hours of talks between student representatives and university officials. The administration also announced the withdrawal of suspension orders and show-cause notices issued to some students.
In addition, an assurance was given to form a committee to investigate the conduct of security personnel during the protests.
University Registrar Professor Mehtab Alam Rizvi said in a statement that elections will be held 15 days after the student union constitution is approved. He also informed that the suspensions and show-cause notices issued to students have been revoked.
Students need representatives to share their grievances with the administration
Protesting students say that the absence of an elected student union makes it difficult for them to convey their concerns to the university administration.
A 20-year-old student told Hindustan Times that they face numerous issues, including admissions, hostel accommodation, and mess food. The lack of an effective communication channel between students and the administration prevents them from getting their grievances resolved.
Students believe that the student union will help them convey their concerns to the administration and establish dialogue between the two parties.
Administration apologizes for statements made during the protest
The university administration has also asked the protesting students to apologize through a press conference for their alleged defamatory statements, actions, or social media posts against the administration during the agitation.
However, despite the administration’s announcement regarding elections, the students remain firm on their demands for the appointment of a Chief Election Officer and a time-bound process. Now the future situation will depend on what steps the university takes regarding the preparations for the elections and other demands of the students.