NEW DELHI: Several students from Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) were detained by Delhi Police on Thursday during a sit-in demonstration against the university’s disciplinary action against two PhD scholars.
The protests, which began on Monday, was in response to the administration’s action against two scholars accused of organising a demonstration last year to mark the anniversary of the 2019 anti-CAA protests. Students alleged that the disciplinary actions were unjust, prompting them to occupy the academic block in defiance.
In an official statement, JMI confirmed that the protesting students were removed from the campus with police assistance. The university accused them of disrupting academic activities, damaging property, and obstructing access to the Central Library and classrooms, especially with mid-semester exams approaching.
“A handful of students called for an unlawfully gathering in the academic block since the evening of February 10, 2025. They have not only disturbed peaceful conduct of classes in the academic block of the university but also prevented students from accessing the Central Library and attending classes at a time when mid semester exams are about to begin,” JMI stated.
The administration further alleged that the demonstrators vandalised campus property, including the central canteen, and forcibly broke the gate of the security advisor’s office. It claimed that students violated university regulations and were found carrying “objectionable contraband items.”
Meanwhile, protesting students claimed their families were being contacted by the police after the university filed a complaint. “My parents in Kolkata received a call saying a complaint had been filed against me and that I should stop protesting or face action,” said 21-year-old Nazma.
On Tuesday, the university issued a formal notice warning students to vacate the protest site, citing disruptions to academic activities. However, tensions remain high as students continue to challenge the administration’s actions.
‘Agitators evicted from university premises’
The university claimed it had offered to hold talks with the protesting students to discuss their demands but they refused. “Taking preventive measures, the university administration and the Proctorial team removed the students from the site of the protest and they have been evicted from the campus,” the statement added.