JMI Protest: Student Groups, Activists, Academicians Gathers At Jantar Mantar
New Delhi: Jamia Millia Islamia gathered at Jantar Mantar on Wednesday following the suspension of 17 students. They were joined by members of left-leaning student organisations and professors from various other universities. The student group gathered and demanded democratic spaces on campuses and challenged the perceived bias of authorities towards minority institutions.
The university had recently suspended two PhD scholars for allegedly organising Jamia Resistance Day on December 15 which marks the anniversary of the 2019 protest against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). Following this incident, a disciplinary committee was set up to review their case on February 25. This was referred to as a larger crackdown on student activism.
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The demonstration had witnessed participation of multiple organisations, including AISA, CRJD, Fraternity, SIO, NSUI, SFI, AIRSO, AIDSO, and JNUSU. The protest recalled Jamia’s historic role in India’s freedom struggle and its participation in the CAA-NRC movement. Professor Virendra Chauhan from Zakir Hussain College, Delhi University, and Professor Mosmi Basu voiced their unwavering support for the students and condemned the administration’s intimidation tactics.
While speaking at the venue, Professor Virendra Chauhan from Zakir Hussain College, Delhi University, and Professor Mosmi Basu voiced their unwavering support for the students and condemned the administration’s intimidation tactics. Social activist and Jamia alumna Sehba Farooq, who has been part of the protest, recalled her time at the university and the spirit of resistance it once embodied.
She further expressed her support for the students and applauded their resistance. She also criticised the fear-driven actions of the administration and government that led to the student’s union dissolution.
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In the protest gathering, the 17 suspended students had shared their harrowing experiences of detention, describing the physical aggression they faced from both the Delhi Police and Jamia Security personnel. The protest site was filled with slogans of resistance and determination, amplifying the students demand for justice.
The protest itself faced hurdles, as the police initially denied permission for the demonstration. Similar instances took place at the end of the protest as well. Although the permission was granted until 5:00 pm, police intervention around 3:30 pm led to an abrupt conclusion of the demonstration.
