The sudden cancellation of exams left many students in a predicament, with some expressing frustration over disrupted travel plans. Gaurav Tripathi, a student, expressed disappointment, stating that the cancellation hindered his travel arrangements, and securing a ticket for a later date proved challenging
Team Clarion
NEW DELHI – The Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) campus witnessed a surge in security forces on Monday, prompting mixed reactions among students and faculty. The heightened security measures coincided with the inauguration of the Ram temple, leading to a half-day holiday and the abrupt cancellation of scheduled examinations.
According to a circular issued by the Officiating Vice-Chancellor of JMI, the campus closure was approved until 2:30 PM on January 22, 2024, in adherence to the Government of India’s directive. However, despite the official announcement, concerns emerged as both canceled and scheduled exams and meetings transpired during the stipulated period.
The sudden cancellation of exams left many students in a predicament, with some expressing frustration over disrupted travel plans. Gaurav Tripathi, a student, expressed disappointment, stating that the cancellation hindered his travel arrangements, and securing a ticket for a later date proved challenging.
Drishti Singh, a first-semester master’s student, raised concerns over the politicization of education, questioning the necessity of a holiday in an educational institution based on religious grounds. Chandra Bhan and other students expressed surprise at the heightened security presence, likening it to an anticipation of unrest.
Reports surfaced of a nighttime police visit to the entire campus, with no reported negative incidents. However, signs of a potential strike emerged as some students pledged to boycott classes in protest.
A student organization criticized the university for allegedly appeasing a “Sanghi government” and accused the administration of compromising the institution’s principles. AISA condemned the prioritization of religious events over education and opposed what they perceived as the government’s attempt to rewrite the ‘Idea of India.’ They highlighted concerns about the saffronization of education and criticized the government’s privatization of education, implementation of the National Education Policy, and alleged attacks on minority institutions.
Speculation of protests arose with the closure of Jamia Millia Islamia’s campus and the cancellation of exams. Some students called for a boycott, urging peers not to return even after the half-day closure. The organization expressed concerns about the government sidelining education amid larger socio-political issues and condemned what they perceived as an assault on minority institutions.
As controversy swirls around the events at JMI, students and faculty remain divided over the implications of the heightened security and the alignment with the Ram Temple inauguration. The university administration has yet to respond to the mounting concerns, leaving the campus in a state of uncertainty.
