Jamia orders student union polls within 15 days of constitution approval; revokes suspensions

New Delhi: Jamia Millia Islamia on Monday, October 26, ordered that students’ union elections be held within 15 days of the approval of the union’s constitution and revoked the suspension and show-cause notices issued to students during the ongoing protest, according to an official order.

The order, issued by Registrar Md Mahtab Alam Rizvi, also provides for the constitution of a committee to inquire into the conduct of security staff during the protest period.

The decisions came after the university considered a demand letter submitted by students on hunger strike and their delegates, the order said.

The protest began nearly two weeks ago demanding restoration of the Jamia Millia Islamia Students’ Union, with students pointing out that elections have not been held since 2006, as reported by PTI. Four students are on an indefinite hunger strike, the Students’ Federation of India (SFI) said.

Delhi Police have registered an FIR against Congress MPs Imran Masood and Imran Pratapgarhi, and others, after the university accused them of trespassing and inciting unrest, police sources told PTI. Rizvi alleged that Masood crossed a wall to enter the campus while Pratapgarhi broke a lock, the Times of India reported, citing news agency ANI. Delhi Police did not respond to the allegations.

The SFI’s Jamia unit alleged that hundreds of police personnel detained students outside Gate No. 7 and that authorities were targeting those demanding the union’s restoration.

The university had earlier moved all classes online, citing student safety, and said its gates and libraries would remain closed until further notice.

On Saturday, over 1,500 staff, along with Vice-Chancellor Mazhar Asif and Rizvi, marched to Gate No. 7 to persuade protesters to end their agitation, the university said. The SFI alleged that officials tried to forcibly remove hunger strikers and dismantled their tents and dragged women students during the confrontation.