Jamia removes protesting students, issues suspension and rustication orders: AISA

Students of Jamia Millia Islamia who were on a hunger strike demanding the restoration of the students' union were forcibly removed from the campus early on Saturday, suspended or rusticated, the All India Students' Association (AISA) alleged. According to AISA, the university administration, acting at the direction of Chief Proctor Asad Malik, removed the protesting students from the campus at around 5:30 am. The association alleged that the campus lights were switched off and the students were beaten, manhandled and harassed before being handed over to the Delhi Police. All detained students have since been released, it said.

The association further alleged that the administration suspended some students for six months and rusticated others for the entire academic year. It accused the university administration of using force instead of engaging in dialogue with the protesters and claimed that several students sustained physical injuries and faced mistreatment.

Also read Jamia School, IIT Madras collaborate to launch online certificate courses for Classes 9 to 12

AISA seeks revocation of suspension orders (Image: AISA)

The statement reads, "The administration has further compounded this brutality by suspending and rusticating the students. Some have been suspended for six months, while others have been rusticated for the entire academic year. Instead of opting for dialogue, the administration chose to use force under the cover of darkness. Many students sustained physical injuries and were subjected to mistreatment."

Meanwhile, the National Students' Union of India has also issued a statement. The post on X reads, "The use of force and assault on NSUI and other student comrades, who have been on a hunger strike for the past 5 days demanding the restoration of the student union in Jamia Millia Islamia, in the cover of night is highly condemnable. The university administration must remember that the voice of students cannot be suppressed with batons and repression. NSUI stands firmly with the students of Jamia. This struggle will continue with full strength until the restoration of the student union."

AISA demands Chief Proctor's resignation

AISA has demanded the immediate resignation of Chief Proctor Asad Malik, holding him responsible for the action against the protesting students. The association has also called for the immediate and unconditional revocation of all suspension and rustication orders issued against them.

The organisation further demanded the restoration of the Jamia students' union and the announcement of elections.

Also read Jamia students protest eviction notices to 3 women hostellers; university calls it ‘misrepresentation'

AISA also sought an independent inquiry into the alleged use of force and action against the officials and security personnel it accused of assaulting and harassing the students.

Meanwhile, AISA President Neha Bora was released this morning, while Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke will be produced before the SEM court. Bora was released after completing formalities related to her detention under Section 65 of the Delhi Police Act, while Dipke was arrested in a fresh case for breach of peace under Sections 126 and 170 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), police said.

(With PTI inputs)