Delhi: Several student organisations at Jamia Millia Islamia announced a boycott of an event hosted by the Centre for the Study of Social Inclusion. The Centre invited Bihar Governor Arif Mohammad Khan to speak on Constitution Day. The groups said the decision undermines the purpose of an institution that studies Dalit politics, minority rights and Muslim identity.
The All India Revolutionary Students Organisation, All India Students Association, Chhatra Rashtriya Janata Dal, Daya I Shauq Students Charter, Fraternity Movement and Students Federation of India issued a joint statement. They said Jamia Millia Islamia must not serve as a platform for what they described as Hindutva politics. They said the invitation acts as political endorsement presented as academic dialogue.
The groups highlighted Arif Khan’s consistent defence of the Citizenship Amendment Act and his support for changes to Waqf laws. They said this record harms minority rights. They also recalled his remarks at the 2019 Indian History Congress, where he misquoted Maulana Abul Kalam Azad while attacking protestors. They said those comments targeted dissenting citizens and displayed disregard for democratic protest.
The joint statement said Khan’s presence on university campuses often triggers protests. They questioned the faculty members who supported the event. They argued that hosting Khan on Constitution Day raises questions about the Centre’s commitment to secular and democratic values. They stated that the invitation shows academic inconsistency and disrespect for constitutional principles.
The organisations urged students to boycott the programme. They encouraged peaceful action on the day of the event. They said institutions must uphold the rights and dignity of all communities through transparent and accountable academic practices.
