Jamia alleges campus vandalism, gates damaged amid students’ union protest

Jamia Millia Islamia has alleged that its campus was vandalised overnight, with several gates and other university property damaged amid an ongoing protest by students demanding the restoration of the students’ union.

According to a report by The Indian Express quoting university officials, a group of people, some wearing masks and carrying sticks, entered the campus and damaged property near several entry points. Gate 4C was reportedly completely damaged, while the gate of the university’s central mosque also sustained damage.

The university released videos that purportedly showed people gathering near the gates, climbing over them and raising slogans. However, the identities of those involved in the alleged vandalism were not immediately clear.

The Delhi Police said no complaint had been received regarding the alleged vandalism at the time of reporting. The university had not publicly clarified who was responsible for the damage.

The incident comes amid a 17-day protest by students seeking the restoration of the Jamia Millia Islamia Students’ Union, whose elections have not been held since 2006. Students are also demanding a definite election schedule and a timeline for approving the union’s constitution.

Although the university has announced that elections will be held within 15 days of the approval of the union’s constitution, students have refused to call off the agitation, arguing that the announcement does not provide a firm deadline for approving the constitution.

The university has shifted classes online until November 8 amid the unrest, while restrictions on public gatherings have been imposed outside the campus under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita.