– Zaina Aman
A large-scale student protest erupted at Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) on November 27 against police action during a mosque survey in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, which reportedly resulted in the deaths of six Muslim youths. Organised by groups including AIRSO, AISA, CRJD, DISSC, MSF, MSU, SFI, and SIO, the protest called for enforcing the Places of Worship Act, 1991.
The students raised slogans against the Uttar Pradesh government and police, criticising their role in the violence.
On November 29, the JMI administration issued a memorandum warning students against holding protests or raising slogans without prior permission. The notice reiterated a 2022 directive banning unauthorised gatherings on campus and warned of disciplinary action for violations.
The administration’s stance drew sharp criticism from student organisations. In a statement posted on X, the Students’ Federation of India (SFI) called the notice an “attack on freedom of expression” and an attempt to suppress democratic spaces within the university.
Jiyad, President of the Fraternity Movement, JMI, told Radiance: “Now after the notice is released by the Jamia authority, it is evident that the state-built machinery has a hand in this anti-Muslim violence in Sambhal. The Jamia administration is under a dictatorial act by the BJP-RSS. We, the Fraternity Movement JMI, strongly demand that this unconstitutional notice be withdrawn immediately and that the authority restate its commitment to protecting the students’ rights. We must not forget the university’s historical role in protecting justice, dignity, and people’s rights.”
The conflict has sparked a broader debate on the role of universities in fostering political awareness and free expression. While the administration maintains it seeks to ensure discipline and academic focus, student groups argue such measures stifle critical engagement and democratic participation. The situation remains tense, with protests likely to continue.
