The hunger strike of students of Jamia Millia Islamia demanding holding of student union elections continued for the 17th day on Wednesday. The complaint of damage to the walls and entrance gate of the university campus amid the agitation gave a new turn to the controversy. The university administration alleges that on the night of October 27, a group of masked people reached the campus and vandalized it with thick iron rods, hammers and other tools. According to the administration, this incident has increased the concern regarding the security arrangements of the university.

On the other hand, the agitating students are adamant on their demand for written assurance on the restoration of the student union and declaring the deadline for the elections. Amidst this development, the 106th Foundation Day celebration of the university has also been cancelled. Police detained NSUI Jamia President Faizan. However, to determine the responsibility of those involved in the sabotage, it is necessary to confirm the facts to the investigation.

Protestors want written assurance for student union elections

The eighth round of talks was held between representatives of students and teachers on Wednesday. The agitating students demanded that a draft to the formation of the student union should be prepared and approved by December 20. After this, the election date should be announced within 15 days and the entire election process should be completed by February 5, 2027. According to the protesting students, during the talks they were asked to reconsider their demands, but they did not agree to it. The students claimed that even though they were told over the phone that their demands would be accepted, they are still not ready to end the agitation until they receive written orders.

Administration accused of causing damage to the campus

A statement issued by the university said that after receiving information about the damage on the campus, the proctorial team and teachers reached the spot. The entrance gate and walls were found damaged there. The administration also claimed that a group of masked people had reached the boys’ hostel with the aim of luring other students into the movement.

According to the administration, videos, CCTV recordings and material available on internet media show signs of use of tools to cause harm. Independent confirmation of these allegations and the identification of those concerned will depend on the findings of the investigation.

Complaint of threatening female teachers

The university administration alleged that women teachers, wardens and provost faced threats when they tried to pacify the women protesters. This allegation has made the controversy more serious. At present, the situation in this matter will be clear only on the basis of the claims of all the parties and the findings of the investigation. During this time, there was also talk of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi reaching the university.

But till the time of writing the news, there was no confirmation of his arrival there. Information about NSUI Jamia President Faizan being detained by the police also came to light. Ebin, Rehan and Abujar are mentioned to be sitting on hunger strike.

There will be no programs on the 106th Foundation Day

According to a senior Jamia official, the Foundation Day celebration and Talimi Mela proposed on October 29 have been cancelled. This year, preparations were being made for a four-day event, whereas last year the event was held for six days.

The official said the decision was extraordinary in its long-standing tradition. The university has already decided to conduct classes through online mode till November 8 through notice dated October 24. Now the atmosphere of the university remains tense due to allegations of vandalism on the campus, hunger strike of students and cancellation of Foundation Day.