Tensions at Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) escalated after the university administration lodged a formal complaint with the Delhi Police against prominent opposition leaders, leading to the registration of an FIR for alleged trespassing and inciting unrest on campus.
The legal action targets Congress Lok Sabha MP Imran Masood, Congress Rajya Sabha MP Imran Pratapgarhi, and Samajwadi Party MP Mohibullah Nadvi.
1. Police Complaint & Legal Action
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The Allegations: University officials accused the MPs of unlawfully entering the campus, breaching security, and instigating students during their ongoing hunger strike.
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Police Action: Based on the university’s complaint, the Delhi Police registered an FIR against the three opposition MPs for alleged trespassing.
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Campus Lockdown: Heavy police forces were deployed outside Gate 7 and other entry points, with announcements ordering students to clear nearby footpaths and vacate the premises.
2. Background of the Student Agitation
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Core Demand: The student protests—led by groups like the Students’ Federation of India (SFI)—began on October 12, demanding the restoration and conduct of elections for the Jamia Millia Islamia Students’ Union (JMISU), which has remained suspended since 2006.
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Hunger Strike: Four students embarked on a multi-day hunger strike at the Gulistan-e-Ghalib lawns, which the university administration categorized as an unauthorized location.
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Administration Stand: The university asserted that it had formed a seven-member committee to draft a JMISU Constitution and had offered Gate 18 as the designated protest zone.
3. Escalation & Shift to Online Classes
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Staff March: Over 1,500 teaching and non-teaching staff, alongside Vice-Chancellor Prof. Mazhar Asif and Registrar Prof. Md. Mahtab Alam Rizvi, marched to Gate 7 in an attempt to persuade students to break their fast.
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Allegations of Force: The SFI accused administration officials and security personnel of dismantling tents, forcibly removing hunger strikers, and detaining students. In contrast, administration officials alleged that some protesting students pushed faculty members and security guards.
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Online Classes: Citing security concerns, the university shut down campus gates and libraries, moving all classes to an online format.
4. Latest Resolution
Following days of standoff and heavy police presence outside campus, the university administration and protesting students reached a mutual understanding. The administration agreed to hold student union elections within 15 days of approving the newly drafted constitution and promised to revoke all show-cause notices and suspensions issued during the agitation, bringing the two-week protest to an end.
