NEW DELHI — A group of students at Jamia Millia Islamia in the national capital staged a protest on Tuesday against the university administration’s decision to allow an event linked to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) on campus.
The programme, part of the RSS’s 100-year celebrations under the banner of ‘Yuva Kumbh’, drew sharp opposition from student organisations, who described it as “provocative” and inappropriate for the university space.
Over 50 students, largely affiliated with the Students’ Federation of India (SFI), All India Students’ Association (AISA), and other left-leaning groups, gathered near the venue and raised slogans, including “RSS has no place in Jamia”.
The SFI, in a statement, condemned the university’s decision and demanded that permission for the event be withdrawn immediately. The student body said hosting the RSS centenary celebrations on a campus with a significant minority student population was “a direct provocation and an affront to their dignity and safety”.
A protesting student told Press Trust of India that demonstrators had assembled outside the auditorium where the event was scheduled, while attempts were allegedly being made to bring in the chief guest through alternate entrances. The university’s proctorial team was present at the site to maintain order.
Tensions remained high as students continued their demonstration, reiterating their opposition to the event and calling for its cancellation.
A heavy police contingent was stationed around the university in view of the protest. University administration, has, however, not issued any clarification on the issue.
