Jamia Millia Islamia Students Demonstrate at Jantar Mantar Over Suspension of 17 Peers
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Synopsis
Students from Jamia Millia Islamia protested at Jantar Mantar against the suspension of 17 peers for participating in demonstrations. They demanded the revocation of suspensions and no disciplinary actions for protest involvement, claiming that restrictions on campus activities have intensified under the new Vice-Chancellor.
Key Takeaways
- Jamia Millia Islamia students protested at Jantar Mantar.
- Demands included the reversal of suspensions for 17 students.
- Involvement of various student organizations.
- Concerns over increased restrictions under the new Vice-Chancellor.
- Upcoming review by a disciplinary committee.
New Delhi, Feb 19 (NationPress) Students from Jamia Millia Islamia organized a demonstration at Jantar Mantar on Wednesday protesting the suspension of 17 students for their involvement in campus demonstrations.
Left-aligned student organizations such as the All India Students' Association (AISA), Students Federation of India (SFI), and All India Democratic Students' Organisation (AIDSO) participated in the protest. The demonstrators called for the reinstatement of the suspended students and urged that no disciplinary measures be taken against those who engage in protests.
Contentions rose following the university's decision to suspend two PhD scholars for purportedly leading an unauthorized protest in December of the previous year. Activists contend that the administration is trying to stifle dissent. Several students reported that police had contacted their families, cautioning them about potential FIRs against their children if they continued to protest.
The demonstrators insisted that no punitive actions be directed toward students who partake in protests. According to AISA, the suspension of 17 students occurred overnight, leading their classmates from various departments to initiate a boycott in solidarity.
Furthermore, a disciplinary committee is slated to convene on February 25 to evaluate the roles of the two PhD scholars in orchestrating 'Jamia Resistance Day' on December 15, 2024. This annual event marks the initiation of the protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) that began in 2019.
A number of students claimed they received suspension notifications citing their supposed involvement in “acts of vandalism, unauthorized protests, and defamation of the university.”
Protesters held up placards bearing slogans such as “Dissent is the legacy of Jamia” and “Restore Campus Democracy,” urging the annulment of disciplinary actions, the repeal of a 2020 Office Memorandum that limits campus protests, the elimination of a Rs 50,000 fine for graffiti and posters, and guarantees that students would not face penalties for participating in demonstrations.
Some students argue that restrictions on campus activities have increased since Vice-Chancellor Mazhar Asif assumed office in October 2024.
“In 2023, we commemorated Resistance Day without any repercussions on students, but in 2024, show cause notices emerged and inquiries were initiated,” stated Sonakshi, a member of AISA.
