JMI students boycott classes; Jamia Millia Islamia decries 'attempts to defame' university

NEW DELHI: Students of Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) have boycotted the classes today demanding the institute to withdraw the suspension orders and restrictions on campus gatherings and protests. JMI condemned the action and expressed concerns over “attempt to defame and spread “misleading and defamatory” messages.

A total of 17 suspended students, in a press conference held on Sunday, criticised the ‘brutal crackdown’ by JMI and Delhi police. However, the institute defended its actions, stating that the protests disrupted academic activities and resulted in property damage, including vandalizing the central canteen and breaking the gate of the security advisor's office. Student activists also argued that the administration was attempting to stifle dissent.

The protest escalated after the number of students who received show cause notices increased to 17. Students from various departments have extended their support to the protesting students.

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JMI forms committee to investigate the matter

In a statement, the university administration strongly condemned the ongoing protests and alleged that "external elements" were spreading lies about the institution.

"It is a matter of grave concern for Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) that some individuals and anti-social elements have over the last 4-5 days been attempting to defame the university and its students by spreading misleading, defamatory and malicious messages, and fabricated videos on social media and other online platforms," it read.

About the protesters' allegation that the university administration violated their right to privacy by displaying personal details of those suspended on campus gates, it said, "Individuals and outfits that have nothing to do with JMI have made public the photos and details of suspended students on university walls and gates."

The administration stated that it removed the posters immediately and a committee has been set up to investigate the matter.

"The university strongly condemns such brazen and irresponsible acts and will take all necessary legal action against those who are found spreading false and defamatory information with a clear intention of tarnishing the image of the 104-year-old institution," the statement added.

Four demands of JMI students

The student protestors have outlined four key demands: revoking the suspension notices issued to the two PhD scholars, repealing the 2020 Office Memorandum restricting protests on campus, scrapping the Rs 50,000 fine for graffiti and posters, and ensuring no disciplinary action is taken against students for participating in protests.

Jamia's disciplinary committee is scheduled to meet on February 25 to review the role of the suspended PhD students in organizing "Jamia Resistance Day," an annual event marking the 2019 anti-Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) protests.

While the university has urged students to focus on their academics in view of upcoming mid-semester exams, protestors insist they will not back down until their demands are met.

(With inputs from PTI)