Jamia Millia Islamia shifts classes online as students’ protest over union enters 13th day

Jamia Millia Islamia has shifted all classes to online mode with immediate effect until further notice, citing safety concerns as protests demanding the restoration of the university’s students’ union entered their 13th day on Saturday.

Several students have been on hunger strike, demanding the restoration of the Jamia Millia Islamia Students’ Union (JMISU) and the removal of the university’s Chief Proctor over what they describe as a crackdown on protesters.

University cites safety concerns

In a statement, the university said the decision had been taken as a precautionary measure to protect students on campus while ensuring that academic activities continued without disruption.

“In view of the ongoing situation and in order to ensure the safety and security of bonafide students in the University Campus, the Competent Authority, JMI, has decided to conduct classes of all courses of the University through online mode with immediate effect until further notice,” the statement said.

“The above decision has been taken as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety and well-being of bonafide students while safeguarding their academic interests and ensuring continuity in the teaching-learning process without any undue disruption,” it added.

The university directed deans, heads of departments, directors, faculty members and students to follow the online class schedule and ensure regular participation in academic activities.

Faculty members were also asked to make the necessary arrangements for online classes and provide students with the required academic support and learning materials. Any further instructions or updates will be communicated through the university’s official channels, the statement said.

Students allege assault during negotiations

Meanwhile, students alleged that the university administration had begun assaulting protesters even as negotiations were under way.

In a statement, the All India Students’ Association (AISA) said, “The hunger strikers and the protest site are being attacked. This reveals the most brutal face of the Jamia administration. Furthermore, the University has been shifted to online mode.”

A student, speaking to reporters, alleged that the administration was attempting to dismantle the protest site and force demonstrators to leave the area.

“They are trying to remove our entire protest site and drive us out of here. They are creating a violent atmosphere inside the campus. But we are standing our ground. We are asking for our demands to be met. Just give us the union, please. Look at how they are dragging the students right now,” the student said.

The protests began on October 12, with students demanding the restoration of the JMISU, which was dissolved in 2006.

(with IANS inputs)