Jamia Protest: Fresh Clashes Break Out Despite Election Order, Students Detained
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NEW DELHI:Fresh clashes broke out at Jamia Millia Islamia on Monday as students continued protesting for union polls despite the university’s order. Some protesters were detained as security was beefed up outside the campus.
Scuffles broke out between protesting students and paramilitary personnel when the students, who raised slogans against the administration, tried to enter the campus. Police personnel did not allow them entry as the university had shifted classes across all courses to online mode in view of the nearly two-week-long protest demanding restoration of the Jamia Millia Islamia Students’ Union (JMISU), whose elections have not been held since 2006.
University’s Order:
Earlier on Monday, the university ordered that students’ union elections be held within 15 days of the approval of the union’s constitution. It also revoked suspension and show-cause notices issued to students during the ongoing protest and provided for a committee to inquire into the conduct of security staff during the agitation.
The administration reportedly told protesters that a draft constitution would be prepared by December 20, following which it would be approved and election dates announced within 15 days.
Students Reject Offer:
However, the agitating students said it was not enough as the administration has not issued a definite timeline for the polls.
Rehan Khan, who is among two students on an indefinite hunger strike for 12 days, alleged that the administration was attempting to distract the protesters from their demands.
“Our first demand was that student union elections should be revived and dates for polls be declared,” he said, questioning the absence of a deadline for the approval of the constitution. “The notice provided by the university is them trying to distract us, but we will not go back until our demands are met.”
Khan alleged that the administration wanted the protesters to accept the notice and end their hunger strike, adding that attempts had also been made to force them to break their fast.
