A large group of students from Jamia Millia Islamia gathered at Jantar Mantar on Wednesday to protest the university’s suspension of 17 students who participated in campus demonstrations. The protest, supported by various student organizations, including Fraternity, AISA, CRJD, SIO, NSUI, SFI, AIRSO, AIDSO, and JNUSU, called for the immediate revocation of the suspensions. The university had previously taken action against two PhD scholars for allegedly organizing ‘Jamia Resistance Day’ on December 15, marking the anniversary of the 2019 protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). Protesters argue that these suspensions are part of a broader crackdown on student activism and are a violation of democratic rights on campus.
Student leader Anjan Azad, addressing the gathering, highlighted that Jamia has historically been a center of resistance and has played a key role in democratic movements. “This fight goes beyond our campus. For the past five years, every major student-led resistance has had its roots in Jamia. Back then, we fought for secularism; today, we are fighting for democracy itself,” Azad said. He criticized the administration for suppressing student voices and pointed out that except for ABVP, all student organizations had come together in solidarity. Protesters also faced logistical challenges, as police initially denied permission for the demonstration, later granting only an hour for the gathering.
Determined to fight back, the suspended students are now preparing to take legal action against the university. They plan to challenge the suspension orders, campus bans, and other disciplinary measures through legal petitions based on constitutional rights. Additionally, students are demanding the establishment of ‘Walls of Democracy’ on campus, arguing that there is no space for students to express their views, as even posters are not allowed. With growing support from civil society and student groups from across the country, the protest is gaining momentum, raising concerns about the increasing restrictions on student activism in educational institutions.
