Jamia students’ protest enters 13th day as university moves classes online

Jamia Millia Islamia has shifted all classes online until further notice as protests demanding the restoration of its students' union enter the 13th day. Students on hunger strike have also sought the removal of the university's Chief Proctor.\

New Delhi: Jamia Millia Islamia on Saturday announced that all classes had been shifted to online mode with immediate effect until further notice as a “precautionary measure”, as students continued their protest for the 13th day, demanding the restoration of the Jamia Millia Islamia Students’ Union (JMISU).

Several students have been on a hunger strike, demanding the restoration of the JMISU and the removal of the university’s Chief Proctor over an alleged “crackdown” on protesters.

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In a statement, the university said, “In view of the ongoing situation and in order to ensure the safety and security of bonafide students on 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 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 further directed the deans, heads, directors and faculty members, as well as all students, to adhere to the online class schedule and ensure regular participation in academic activities.

“All faculty members are requested to make the necessary arrangements for conducting classes through online platforms and to provide students with the required academic support and learning materials. Any further instructions or updates in this regard shall be communicated through the official process of the university,” the statement added.

Meanwhile, students alleged that the university administration had started “assaulting” them amid negotiations.

“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,” the All India Students’ Association (AISA) said in a statement.

A student, speaking to reporters, said, “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 students have been protesting since October 12, demanding the restoration of the JMISU, which was dissolved in 2006.