Tensions at Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) intensified on Sunday as students confronted Delhi Police at Gate No. 4, a key entry point to university hostels, amid ongoing protests demanding the restoration of the Jamia Millia Islamia Students’ Union (JMISU) elections, which have not been held since 2006.
The confrontation occurred as security was tightened around the main gate, which was closed to entry. This heightened security followed the university’s decision to suspend all offline classes and shift to online teaching to ensure student safety amidst the agitation.
In addition to closing the gates, the university also shut its libraries until further notice. Students across all courses were instructed to follow their scheduled online classes and avoid visiting campus during this period.
Background of the Protest
The protest began nearly two weeks ago, with students demanding the restoration of the students’ union elections. The movement has seen an indefinite hunger strike by four students and a sit-in by a PhD scholar, Sanam, at the Gulistan-e-Ghalib lawns.
The university administration and student groups have reported conflicting accounts of recent events, particularly during a face-off between protesting students and university staff. According to the administration, staff members marched to Gate No. 7 seeking to appeal to students to end the agitation and remove slogans painted on walls, which the administration deemed objectionable.
Confrontation Details
The university stated that during appeals to end the protest, some students pushed security guards, staff, and faculty, leading staff to withdraw. In contrast, student representatives from the Students’ Federation of India (SFI) accused the administration, including the proctor, registrar, and security adviser, of forcibly dismantling tents and dragging women students.
SFI alleged that police were stationed outside campus in large numbers, and some protesters were detained or forcibly removed from the university premises.
University Actions and Responses
The university formed a seven-member committee of professors that conducted four rounds of talks with the students and urged them to call off the agitation. Additionally, JMI notified the establishment of a committee to draft the constitution for the Jamia Millia Islamia Students’ Union on 21 October 2026.
The administration also announced it will review disciplinary actions taken against students for protest activities beginning 12 October 2026. However, student groups consider these steps inadequate. They demand representation in the constitution-drafting committee, announcement of election dates within the current semester, and revocation of all disciplinary actions.
Current Status and Outlook
Classes remain online, and campus gates and libraries remain closed to ensure safety and maintain teaching continuity amid ongoing tensions. The protest site at Gulistan-e-Ghalib lawns has been deemed unauthorized by the university, with Gate No. 18 designated as the official protest site.
The situation remains fluid as students continue their agitation for the restoration of democratic student representation at Jamia Millia Islamia, with both university administration and student leaders engaged in dialogue and confrontation.
Official links: Official notification
