Jamia Millia Islamia Protest Escalates

Protest at Jamia Millia Islamia University

On Sunday, October 25, 2026, students of Jamia Millia Islamia University in New Delhi gathered around the campus and tried to enter by climbing the gates. This comes after attempts were made to forcibly remove protesting students on Saturday, October 24, 2026.

With classes suspended, water facilities on the campus were cut off, and no entry or exit was allowed. Amid heavy police deployment, students still gathered in large numbers and staged a protest.

Background of the Protest

The students have been protesting since October 11, 2026, for the restoration of their students’ union. The tent was uprooted from the lawn inside gate no. 7, campus electricity and water facilities suspended, gates and libraries closed, and all classes announced to be conducted online until further notice.

Following this, students gathered in large numbers and stayed through the night, singing songs, raising slogans, and demanding the restoration of the Jamia Millia Islamia University Students’ Union (JMISU).

Police Deployment and Student Detention

On Sunday, October 25, 2026, a similar scenario was observed, with heavy CRPF and Delhi Police personnel guarding the entry gates and dispersing the students who were trying to enter.

“We have been trying to go inside the campus, but the security personnel are not allowing us. They have barricaded gate no. 7, and no entry is allowed from other gates as well,” said Md. Zubair, a second-year Bachelor’s student.

Delhi Police personnel stopped many students from entering by pulling and physically handling them. Some students were also detained.

• Three persons, including two women, were detained from outside the campus on Sunday.
• The two women were not connected with Jamia at all and were released before sunset.
• Another person was held under Preventive Detention and is being questioned for his purpose of being at the site.

Administration’s Response

The Vice-Chancellor, along with administration and other staff, visited the campus, inspected the gates and security arrangements, and left without interacting with the students.

“We have been demanding a dialogue with the V-C and the Chief Proctor on the restoration of JMISU that has been non-existent since 2006. After inviting students for a dialogue, the V-C used force to remove us and end our protest,” alleged Habeeba, one of the students removed from the hostel.

FIR Registered

An FIR has been registered under the charges of trespassing, defacement of property, and confinement against political leaders and students following a complaint sent by Jamia administration.

The complaint was sent by the Economics department mentioning trespassing and damage to public property.

“The complaint contains names of MPs, leaders, students, and ex-students who were trying to trespass on campus property. The FIR has been registered under the charges of criminal trespassing, wrongful confinement, and voluntarily causing hurt under BNS,” said the Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police, South East.

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Implications for Students in India

The protest at Jamia Millia Islamia University has significant implications for students across India. The restoration of the students’ union is a demand that resonates with students from various universities, who are fighting for their rights and freedoms.

The use of force by the administration and the police has raised concerns about the safety and well-being of students. The suspension of campus facilities, including water and electricity, has also highlighted the challenges faced by students who are protesting for their rights.

Expert Perspective

According to experts, the protest at Jamia Millia Islamia University is a reflection of the growing discontent among students in India. The demand for the restoration of the students’ union is a call for greater autonomy and freedom for students to express themselves and participate in the decision-making process.

“The protest at Jamia Millia Islamia University is a wake-up call for universities across India. It highlights the need for greater dialogue and engagement between the administration and students,” said a senior academician.

Timeline of Events

The protest at Jamia Millia Islamia University began on October 11, 2026, with students demanding the restoration of their students’ union. Since then, the situation has escalated with the administration and police taking measures to suppress the protest.

• October 11, 2026: Students begin protesting for the restoration of their students’ union.
• October 24, 2026: Attempts are made to forcibly remove protesting students.
• October 25, 2026: Students climb gates and police deployment is increased.

What to Watch Next

The situation at Jamia Millia Islamia University is likely to unfold in the coming days. The students are expected to continue their protest, and the administration is likely to take further measures to address the situation.

The registration of an FIR against political leaders and students is likely to have significant implications for the protest. The students and their supporters are likely to challenge the FIR and demand that it be withdrawn.