Jamia Millia Students Continue Hunger Strike on Day 13, Demand Restoration of Students’ Union
Protesting students reject the university’s committee notification, seeking a fixed election date, unconditional withdrawal of disciplinary action and accountability of senior officials.
New Delhi: Students of Jamia Millia Islamia continued their sit in protest and hunger strike for the 13th consecutive day on Saturday, demanding the restoration of the Jamia Millia Islamia Students’ Union (JMISU). They have vowed to continue their agitation until all their demands are met.
In a statement issued by the Movement for Restoration of JMI Students’ Union, the protesters alleged that the university administration’s response through its High Level Committee (HLC) had been partial, delayed and misleading. They said the university had remained without an elected students’ union for more than two decades.
The students have placed three major demands before the administration. These include a time bound notification announcing the union elections, unconditional withdrawal of all disciplinary action against protesting students, and the removal or resignation of the Chief Proctor and Security Advisor.
The protesters rejected the university’s notification announcing a committee to draft the JMI Students’ Union constitution, arguing that forming a committee alone does not address their demand for elections. They called for a fixed timeline for drafting the constitution and a definite election date.
Referring to the JMI Act, the students said the administration’s own committee had acknowledged a prolonged interruption in the implementation of relevant provisions. They argued that the absence of a deadline could lead to further delays.
On disciplinary action, the protesters said the administration’s proposal to review the cases was insufficient. They insisted that all action against students involved in the agitation must be revoked unconditionally and that written assurances be given against further punitive measures.
The students also challenged the HLC’s assessment that there had been no deliberate unfair treatment. They alleged that on October 17, at around 5:30 AM, university authorities attempted to remove hunger strikers from the protest site while they were asleep. The protesters described the incident as a planned action against peaceful demonstrators and held the Chief Proctor and Security Advisor accountable.
Addressing the controversy over graffiti on campus, the students said attention was being diverted from their central demand for the restoration of campus democracy. They maintained that their movement was peaceful and focused on securing students’ democratic rights.
The HLC has appealed to students, teachers, staff and alumni to persuade the protesters to call off their agitation. However, the students have urged the Jamia community to support their campaign, stating that they remain open to dialogue if it results in concrete, written and time bound commitments.
The statement concluded with the slogans “Jamia Zindabad” and “Restore JMISU”, reiterating that the protest would continue until the administration addresses their demands.