‘No space for RSS in Jamia’: Students protest ‘Yuva Kumbh’ event on campus
Over 50 students raise slogans and demand cancellation of programme amid tight security at Jamia Millia Islamia
Tensions rose at Jamia Millia Islamia on Tuesday as a group of students staged a protest against the university administration’s decision to allow an event associated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh on campus.
The event, part of the organisation’s centenary outreach under the banner ‘Yuva Kumbh’, drew strong opposition from several student groups. More than 50 students, many linked to Students’ Federation of India and All India Students’ Association, gathered near the venue and raised slogans expressing their disapproval.
Protesters described the programme as inappropriate for the university environment, pointing to Jamia’s diverse student body. In a statement, the SFI criticised the administration’s decision, calling it a provocation and urging authorities to immediately revoke permission for the event.
Students assembled outside the auditorium where the programme was scheduled, attempting to block access and demand its cancellation. According to a protester who spoke to Press Trust of India, there were attempts to bring in the chief guest through alternate routes to avoid confrontation.
University officials, including the proctorial team, were present at the site to manage the situation as tensions escalated. Meanwhile, police forces were deployed around the campus to maintain order and prevent any untoward incidents.
Despite the growing controversy, the university administration has not yet issued an official statement addressing the protest or clarifying its decision to host the event.