Jamia Millia Islamia Students Continue Protests Demanding Restoration of Student Union Elections
Protests at Jamia Millia Islamia continue as students demand elections for the student union and criticize the administrations authoritarian approach.
New Delhi, October 29 (Daily Kiran) : Students at Jamia Millia Islamia University in New Delhi have entered the 18th day of protests demanding the reinstatement of student union elections. They are calling on the university administration to announce election dates and restore democratic processes on campus.
Ujma, a PhD student involved in the protests, has made serious allegations against the administration. She stated that the movement is not just about the student union elections; it also addresses the authoritarian behavior of the university administration.
“This demonstration is a collective demand for the student union,” Ujma explained. “The need for a student union has become more pressing because the administration’s attitude has turned completely authoritarian. There is no one to listen to the daily issues faced by students on campus.”
Ujma recounted a recent incident concerning the hostel where she resides, the Begum Hazrat Mahal Girls’ Hostel. She revealed that on Wednesday night, all female students received an abrupt order to vacate the hostel by Saturday, without any prior official notice.
“Many students have received placement offers and several PhD scholars need access to the library and books. However, the university administration has decided to close the campus until January 12 and is forcing us to vacate the hostel. This is entirely impractical,” she said.
She further claimed that when students approach the warden and her team with their concerns, they are threatened with restrictions. Ujma noted that female students often endure inappropriate remarks, with warnings that if they do not vacate the hostel, they could face police action.
As a member of the hostel mess committee, Ujma stated that she was threatened with being blacklisted for participating in the protests. Many students come from distant states like Kerala, West Bengal, and Bihar, requiring three to four days to return home. With train reservations currently unavailable, the order to vacate the hostel without preparation has created significant distress.
Ujma called for the university administration to take this matter seriously and enact strict measures. “We want the incompetent administration in the hostel to be removed and replaced with capable individuals who will listen to and address the issues of female students, rather than impose their authoritarian orders on us,” she asserted.
When asked why the protests continue despite the administration’s promise to conduct elections and pass a constitution within 15 days, Ujma reiterated that their main demand is for elections, but they seek a clear timeline from the administration.
