Jamia moves all classes online after protest clash
Student representation remains unresolved as campus governance shifts away from elections.
Overview
has shifted all classes online until further notice after a student protest over bringing back became a campus security crisis. Five students began an on October 12. They want the union, dissolved in 2006, restored, an election date set, disciplinary action withdrawn, and senior security officials removed. A reported clash followed when guards moved toward the protest site. Graffiti saying “” added to the dispute, but protesters deny it was connected to their protest. Online classes keep teaching going but disrupt campus life and leave students and staff uncertain. Talks have started, but there is no election date or reopening date.
Timeline
Jamia opened talks but left elections, discipline and classroom reopening unresolved
A delegation including the registrar and professors met protesters and asked them to end the . The available reports do not identify a confirmed election timetable, completed disciplinary review or date for returning to in-person classes.
Jamia moved all courses online until further notice to protect students
The ordered all courses to be conducted online with immediate effect, citing the prevailing campus situation and student safety. The decision preserved academic teaching remotely but suspended normal in-person classes and campus activity while the protest continued.
A disputed ‘Free Kashmir’ graffiti claim widened the Jamia controversy
Reports about ‘’ writing or slogans became part of the dispute surrounding the protest. Protesters and Congress leader Imran Masood denied that such slogans were raised at the demonstration, while the reported existence and provenance of the graffiti remained contested.
Students and campus guards clashed as security staff moved against the protest site
A confrontation occurred between protesters and campus guards during the continuing demonstration, with reports that guards sought to remove tents from the protest area. Students described the incident as an assault, while coverage identified the clash as a major escalation in the campus dispute.
Jamia students held a general body meeting and demanded an election timetable
Students reiterated their demand for a notice setting out the Jamia Millia Islamia Students’ Union election schedule for the 2026-27 academic session. The administration’s reported proposal to work on a draft constitution did not provide a confirmed election date.
Students expanded their demands to the removal of Jamia’s chief proctor and security officials
Protesters linked the demand for union elections to alleged administrative action against demonstrators. They called for removal of the and security adviser, while the administration said a draft committee had been formed to prepare a union constitution.
Jamia punished three hunger-striking students as the protest continued
Jamia one student and two others in connection with the students’ union protest. Protesters demanded that the disciplinary measures be withdrawn and accused the administration of trying to suppress the hunger strike.
Five Jamia students began an indefinite hunger strike for union elections
Five Jamia Millia Islamia students began an on October 12, demanding restoration of the students’ union and an official election schedule. Reports differ on the students’ names and on whether withdrawal of disciplinary action was among the stated demands.
Jamia dissolved its elected students’ union in 2006 and has held no elections since
Jamia Millia Islamia dissolved its elected in 2006 amid allegations of campus violence and disruption. The university has not held elections since, making restoration of elected student representation central to the dispute.