Four students at Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) in Delhi remained on hunger strike on Sunday (October 25) as the standoff over the restoration of the students’ union continued.
Around 200 students were inside the campus, while large numbers of security personnel were stationed outside, reported the Hindustan Times.
Security stepped up
Entry through Gate No. 7 and nearby gates has been restricted. Students alleged they were being stopped from carrying food and water into the campus. Police personnel were also making repeated announcements over loudspeakers, asking students to leave the premises and nearby footpaths.
Also Read: Jamia Millia Islamia shifts classes online amid student protests
The agitation began on October 12, with protesters demanding the restoration of the Jamia Millia Islamia Students’ Union (JMISU) and the removal of the university’s Chief Proctor. They have accused the administration of acting against students taking part in the demonstration.
Students for restoration of union
The students’ union was suspended in 2006 after repeated incidents of violent clashes, attacks on teachers and disruptions to classes. Students are now pressing for its restoration as the standoff with the university administration continues.
Also Read: Why are Jamia Millia students on an indefinite hunger strike?
The administration announced on Saturday (October 24) that all classes would shift online with immediate effect until further notice. The university also closed the library, canteens and main entry gates, drawing criticism from protesters, who alleged that the measures were intended to clear the campus and weaken the agitation.
Shift to online classes questioned
Student Mohammad Ayan Khan said the decision had raised concerns about students’ studies and preparations for upcoming examinations.
“I saw that notice, and our friends saw it too, but they did all this on purpose. First of all, they told the students to leave, saying they wouldn’t let them inside. The students had just one demand: they were losing out on their studies. If you don’t let us inside, how will we handle our upcoming exams?” Khan told news agency YEARS.
“So, they said they were shifting everything online to give themselves a solid excuse to kick the students out, like, ‘We moved the classes online, so why are you still hanging around here?’ It’s a simple matter; they used this trick to get the students out. That’s why they’ve set up all these online classes,” he added.