Students accuse university of suppressing dissent; administration denies claims and initiates probe into leaked personal details.
Team Clarion
NEW DELHI — Tension is rising at Jamia Millia Islamia as the All India Students Association (AISA) claims that 17 students have been suspended for protesting against disciplinary action taken against two PhD scholars. In response, the student body has announced a boycott of classes, accusing the university of suppressing dissent and violating student rights.
According to The Indian Express, the university issued a statement on February 16, 2025 urging students to avoid “fake messages and misleading rumours” while encouraging them to attend classes. However, student leaders allege that the administration is attempting to silence voices critical of its policies.
AISA members claim that the disciplinary actions stem from a protest organised on February 10 to mark the fifth anniversary of the violence on campus during the anti-Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) movement. “The university suspended 17 students overnight without any due process,” said an AISA spokesperson. “You can suspend students, but you cannot suspend resistance.”
The controversy escalated when Delhi Police detained several protesting students for nearly 12 hours. Students alleged that they were mistreated during detention and were denied the right to contact their families. “The police behaved inappropriately with us and didn’t allow us to inform our families,” said Arpan, an AISA member.
The university has accused the protesters of vandalising campus property—an allegation the students strongly deny. “We have not engaged in any vandalism,” said a suspended student. “The administration is targeting us simply because we refuse to remain silent.”
In a new development, the university has formed a committee to investigate how the personal details of the 17 suspended students were leaked. This follows the circulation of a notice on campus, allegedly issued by the administration, listing the names, photographs, addresses, and political affiliations of the suspended students.
“The university removed these photographs from the walls immediately after being informed,” a university spokesperson said. “We strongly condemn such irresponsible acts and will take legal action against those responsible.”
AISA argues that the crackdown on protests has intensified under the leadership of Vice Chancellor Mazhar Asif, who assumed office in October 2024. “In 2023, we observed ‘Resistance Day’ without any action against us. Why are we facing show-cause notices now?” questioned Arpan.
The students’ demands include the withdrawal of disciplinary action, the repeal of a 2020 memorandum restricting campus protests, the removal of a ₹50,000 fine for graffiti and posters, and assurances that no further action will be taken against those participating in peaceful protests.
Support for the suspended students is growing across various departments, with many arguing that the administration’s actions threaten the university’s long-standing tradition of academic freedom and dissent.
The university maintains that its actions are necessary to maintain order on campus. “We are committed to ensuring a peaceful academic environment while respecting lawful forms of expression,” a university official stated.
As the standoff continues, both sides remain firm. Students insist they will not end their boycott until their demands are met, while the administration signals no intention of reversing the suspensions.
