All India Students' Association (AISA) president Neha Bora on Monday, 27 July issued a firm ultimatum to the Bihar government, warning that the organisation would call a statewide Bihar Bandh on 30 July if all students and protest leaders arrested during recent demonstrations are not released by 29 July. The warning came after Bora visited Beur Central Jail in Patna, where she met detained student leaders and political activists.

What Triggered the Ultimatum

Following her jail visit, Bora addressed a press conference and named several of those in custody, including AISA Bihar president Dhananjay Kumar, JJD national president Tej Pratap Yadav, and CPI-ML MLA Sandeep Saurav from Paliganj, along with multiple student leaders from Patna University. According to Bora, the detained individuals alleged they were 'falsely implicated as part of a political vendetta.' She also said the detainees claimed they were mistreated during police action carried out while dispersing the protests.

AISA's Demands and Campaign So Far

Bora asserted that AISA's agitation had already yielded results, claiming the organisation had 'applied pressure on the Centre and forced Dharmendra Pradhan to resign as Union Education Minister.' However, she made clear the campaign would not conclude while any student remained in custody. 'Our campaign will not be complete as long as even a single student remains in jail,' she said. The organisation has warned it will escalate to a statewide agitation on 30 July if its deadline is not met.

AK-47 Firing Incident in Siwan Draws Sharp Criticism

Bora separately condemned an AK-47 firing incident that reportedly occurred during student protests in Siwan district, demanding accountability at the senior level. She called for the constitution of a high-level inquiry committee and the termination of officers responsible for ordering the firing. The incident has already prompted the suspension of a police constable and the initiation of a departmental inquiry, though Bora indicated these steps fall short of what is required.

Jail Conditions and Media Freedom

During her visit to Beur Central Jail, Bora met with prison officials, who reportedly assured her that detained students and other inmates would receive necessary facilities and would not face inconvenience in custody. Bora, however, declined to comment on allegations of attacks on media personnel during the protests. Student leader Ajit Kushwaha separately condemned the reported assault on journalists, stressing that media freedom must be respected and urging all parties to ensure journalists can work without intimidation or violence.

What Happens Next

The Bihar government now faces a 48-hour window — until 29 July — to release the detained students and protest leaders before AISA makes good on its bandh threat. The unfolding standoff is set against a broader backdrop of student unrest that has already claimed a ministerial resignation and triggered police action in multiple districts across the state.