Full Breakdown
Jamia Millia Islamia Students’ Hunger Strike and University Disciplinary Action
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
On October 12, three Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) students—Ebin Basil (BA LLB), Jasim Khan (International Studies), and Rehaan Haider (MA Social Work)—began an indefinite hunger strike demanding the restoration of the university’s students’ union, dormant since 2006. The protest started at Gate No. 18, the university-designated site for demonstrations. Within days, the administration announced disciplinary measures: Basil was rusticated for one year, while Khan and Haider were suspended, and all three received a one-year campus ban.
Background & Context
Jamia’s students’ union was suspended in 2006 over concerns of discipline and violence, and no elections have been held since. Students argue that the lack of an elected body limits their ability to raise issues from amenities to academic grievances. Demands for union restoration have persisted for nearly two decades, with periodic memoranda submitted to university officials.
Official Statements & Responses
- Chancellor Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit said the administration “remains open to dialogue to address your concerns with empathy” and noted that several meetings had already been held.
Criticism & Opposition
Students maintain that the protest is essential for restoring democratic representation on campus. Khan alleged he was “forcibly picked up” shortly after the strike began and that police and security personnel were stationed outside the protest site.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Protest location: The Proctor’s Office claimed the strike was not at the designated Gate No. 18 and labeled participants “outsiders.” The *New Indian Express* reported that after an alleged police pickup of Khan, demonstrators shifted to Gate No. 7 near the Mirza Ghalib statue.
- Police involvement: JMI officials did not comment on police actions. Student accounts describe women officers stationed outside Gate No. 7 and regulating campus entry, a detail not corroborated by university statements.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We have not received anything in writing from the students. The current administration has never said no to unions, but at the same time, past experiences have shown us that a system of electing department-wise representatives has served us better as the larger student union tends to get too politicised and lead to clashes.” — university spokesperson
- “The administration remains open to dialogue to address your concerns with empathy. We have already held a few meetings and taken up your concerns.” — Chancellor Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit
- “We would like to reaffirm that, Madam VC, if you are really concerned about our health, then stop creating a charade for the media. Instead, accept our demands by showing the decency to engage in proper negotiations.” — Jamia Students’ Union (as reported)
What’s Next
The university has not issued a written response to the hunger strike, and no timetable for union elections has been announced. The disciplinary orders remain in effect, and the students’ health status continues to be monitored by campus medical staff.