CNN Central News & Networks / ITDC India ePress / ITDC News /Agencies/ Delhi: New Delhi. The ongoing protest at Delhi-based Jamia Millia Islamia University demanding the restoration of student union elections has intensified. The standoff between students on hunger strike and the university administration continues. Protesters have locked themselves inside a campus building, while security has been increased at the vice-chancellor’s residence and at university entry gates. On Tuesday, restrictions under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) were also imposed around the campus, barring public meetings and gatherings.
Students demand restoration of union elections
Students say elections to the Jamia Millia Islamia Student Union (JMISU) have not been held for a long time. They are demanding that a timeline for holding the elections be announced, disciplinary action taken against protesting students be withdrawn, and some university officials be removed. The protest began on October 12, and students participating in the hunger strike have said they will continue the agitation until their demands are met.
The university administration has formed a committee to draft the student union constitution. The administration says work on the constitution and election process is necessary before an election date can be fixed. However, the protesting students do not consider this step sufficient.
Campus gates closed, police deployed
After tensions rose, several entry gates of the university were closed. Police personnel have been deployed outside the campus and access to the protest site has been restricted. Officials have said restrictions on crowd gatherings are in force. Reports also emerged that some students were taken into preventive custody on Monday.
Online classes until November 8
In view of the current situation, the university administration has decided to conduct classes online. It has announced that arrangements related to online teaching and examinations will continue until November 8. The administration says the step has been taken to ensure student safety and to keep academic activities running.
For now, no agreement has been reached on the timeline for student union elections or the other demands of the protesters. In this situation, talks between the administration and students remain important to reduce tension on the university campus.
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