Delhi’s Jamia students protest for union elections

Students at Delhi’s Jamia Millia Islamia staged protests on Saturday (October 24), demanding the restoration of students’ union elections, prompting the university to shift all classes online until further notice.

The protest, which began on October 12, escalated into clashes between students and security guards after guards moved to remove tents set up by demonstrators, including those on hunger strike, according to NDTVj.

The students are demanding the restoration of the Jamia Millia Islamia Students’ Union (JMISU), which was disbanded in 2006 following campus violence that disrupted academic activities.

The protesters have also demanded an official election schedule, withdrawal of disciplinary action against three students and the removal of the university’s chief proctor and security adviser. Five students have been on hunger strike since October 12. 

In a notice, the university administration said all courses would be conducted online until further notice, citing the prevailing situation and the need to ensure students’ safety and security on campus.