Delhi Police detained Congress Lok Sabha MP Imran Masood and Samajwadi Party MP Mohibbullah Nadvi after they attempted to visit protesting students at Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI).
The political intervention comes amid an ongoing agitation by students demanding the restoration of an elected students’ union—a body that has been dissolved since 2006.
Key Highlights of the Protests
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Core Demands: The protests, which began on October 12 with an indefinite hunger strike, center around the announcement of an official election schedule for the Jamia Millia Islamia Students’ Union (JMISU), the withdrawal of disciplinary actions against student demonstrators, and better academic/hostel infrastructure.
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The Political Fallout: MPs Imran Masood and Mohibbullah Nadvi arrived at the campus to express solidarity with the students. Both were briefly detained by police before being released. Masood questioned why the university has not reinstated democratic representation for nearly two decades, emphasizing that students have a right to raise their concerns.
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Controversial Slogans and Backlash: The movement faced a political flashpoint after controversial slogans—including “Free Kashmir” and “Free Sharjeel Imam”—were reportedly found painted on campus walls.
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Student Stance: Protesting students strongly refuted involvement, alleging that mischievous elements or administrative plants were behind the graffiti to derail their peaceful agitation.
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Political Condemnation: Imran Masood explicitly rejected separatist slogans, stating that Kashmir is an integral part of India and alleging that controversies were being manufactured to weaken the legitimate student movement.
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University Administration Response: JMI officials strongly condemned the graffiti and campus vandalism (including tampered CCTV wiring), stating that cleaning operations have begun and strict disciplinary action will follow. While the administration has proposed a constitution-drafting framework and a review of disciplinary cases, students insist on an immediate election notification.
