Students rally at Jantar Mantar against disciplinary actions, allege suppression of dissent by university administration.
Team Clarion
NEW DELHI — Students of Jamia Millia Islamia staged a protest at Jantar Mantar on Wednesday, demanding the revocation of suspensions handed to 17 students for participating in on-campus demonstrations. The protest, organised by left-affiliated student groups including the All India Students’ Association (AISA), Students Federation of India (SFI), and Jamia Millia Islamia Fraternity Movement, among others, also called for an end to disciplinary actions against students engaging in protests.
The controversy began after the university administration suspended two PhD scholars in December 2023 for allegedly leading an “unauthorised protest.” Student activists claim the suspensions are part of a broader attempt to stifle dissent on campus. Some students alleged that police contacted their parents, warning of potential FIRs if they continued participating in protests.
“This is our right to raise our voice for the voiceless, but when we do, the Sanghi VC tries to shut our mouths. He is continuously spoiling Jamia’s character, which we will not allow,” said Ahmad Areeb, a scholar associated with the Jamia Millia Islamia Fraternity Movement, in an interview with Clarion.
The protesters demanded the withdrawal of the 2020 Office Memorandum, which restricts campus protests, the removal of a Rs 50,000 fine for graffiti and posters, and assurances that students will not face disciplinary action for participating in demonstrations. They carried banners with slogans such as “Dissent is the legacy of Jamia” and “Restore Campus Democracy.”
According to AISA, the university administration suspended 17 students overnight, prompting students from various departments to boycott classes in solidarity. A disciplinary committee is set to meet on February 25 to review the role of the two PhD scholars in organising ‘Jamia Resistance Day’ on December 15, 2024. The annual event marks the beginning of the 2019 protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA).
Several students claimed they received suspension notices citing their alleged involvement in “acts of vandalism, unauthorised protests, and defamation of the university.”
“In 2023, we observed Resistance Day without any action against students, but in 2024, show-cause notices were sent, and inquiries were initiated,” said Sonakshi, an AISA member.
Students allege that restrictions on campus activities have intensified since Vice-Chancellor Mazhar Asif assumed office in October 2024. The protest highlights growing tensions between the administration and student bodies, with the latter vowing to continue their fight for the right to dissent.
As the standoff continues, the students’ demands for the restoration of campus democracy and the withdrawal of suspensions remain at the forefront of the debate.
