All India Students’ Association alleges students were manhandled; allegations did not elicit response from university administration
NEW DELHI — Several Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) students were detained on Friday evening during a protest march organised to mark the 17th anniversary of the infamous Batla House encounter, police said.
The All India Students’ Association (AISA) said that the detentions amounted to “abductions” and accused the university administration of colluding with the authorities.
There was no immediate response from the varsity over the allegations.
In a statement, the AISA said that around 20 students, including female students, were “dragged from the campus” and “handed over to the police personnel waiting outside Gate Number 7”.
It stated that among those detained were AISA Delhi State President Saiyed Ishfaq, AISA Jamia Secretary Saurabh, and two other student leaders.
“How ironic that when students even gather to remember one injustice, the state delivers another,” AISA said, demanding the immediate release of the detained students and calling upon people to gather at Jamia Nagar Police Station in solidarity.
The student organisation further said it has been demanding a judicial probe into the September 19, 2008, encounter at Batla House in which two young men, Atif Ameen and Mohammad Sajid, were killed. “This year marks 17 years of awaiting justice,” the statement added.
AISA Jamia president Mishkat alleged that the university administration handed over students to the Delhi Police, with several being taken out of the campus and directly turned over to the authorities.
She further claimed that she was manhandled by Jamia’s male guards, her dress torn in the process, and accused the administration of acting in a hostile manner towards students. One of the protesters wearing a hijab was also seen being dragged away by female guards.
Students reacted sharply to the crackdown, raising slogans of “Sharam karo, sharam karo! Delhi Police down down!” and “We remember Batla House!” Some were also heard confronting the guards, saying, “What are you doing? You are beating students and handing them over to the police.”
Student Uthara R, as quoted by Maktoob Media, said, “We were just peacefully marching.” She alleged that Gate No. 7 was deliberately kept open so that students could be easily grabbed by the police”.
“Even after coming inside the campus, some of us were detained. We have no idea where they have been taken,” she said.
AISA demanded the immediate disclosure of the whereabouts of every “abducted” student, their safe release without delay, and accountability from the SHO of Jamia Nagar Police Station.
