Full Breakdown
Jamia Millia Islamia Student Union Protest and Detention of Two MPs
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The Protest and Police Detentions
Students at Jamia Millia Islamia began an indefinite hunger strike on October 12, 2026 demanding the restoration of an elected students’ union and a schedule for elections in the 2026-27 session. The university has not had an elected union since its dissolution in 2006. On October 23, 2026, Delhi Police detained ten people near the campus, including Congress MP Imran Masood and Samajwadi Party MP Mohibbullah Nadvi, as they attempted to meet the protesters. Both MPs were later released.
Background & Context
Jamia’s last student-union elections were held in 2005; the body was dissolved the following year. Protesters argue that an elected union is essential for democratic representation and for addressing grievances over facilities, attendance rules, hostels, scholarships and research stipends. The agitation has drawn support from student organisations and several parliamentarians, while the university administration has formed committees to draft a new union constitution.
Timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Oct 12 | Hunger strike begins; demand for union restoration and election schedule. |
| Oct 17 | Police attempt to clear demonstrators from the Ghalib lawn near Gate 7. |
| Oct 18 | University creates a high-level committee to engage with protesters. |
| Oct 21 | CPI(M) MP John Brittas writes to Union Education Minister Pralhad Joshi. |
| Oct 23 | Police detain Imran Masood and Mohibbullah Nadvi; footage circulates on social media. |
| Dec 20 | Five-member committee must submit a draft constitution. |
Official Statements & Responses
- Mohibbullah Nadvi (Samajwadi Party), a Jamia alumnus, alleged that police “pushed and manhandled” him while traveling to meet the protesters.
- University administration condemned graffiti such as “VC go back,” announced the use of chemical agents to clean the walls, and said strict action would be taken against those responsible. Officials reported tampering with CCTV cameras in the affected areas.
- VHP spokesperson Vinod Bansal demanded identification of those behind the “Free Kashmir,” “Free Sharjeel Imam,” and “RSS go back” slogans, labeling the campus a potential “hub of anti-India activities.”
- RJD MP Sanjay Yadav wrote to Vice-Chancellor Mazhar Asif urging a transparent, time-bound election roadmap, withdrawal of disciplinary actions, and immediate dialogue with the hunger-striking students.
Criticism & Opposition
The VHP’s criticism frames the protest as a platform for anti-national sentiments, while students claim the slogans were planted by university officials to delegitimize the movement.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- No independent verification of the photographs has been provided.
- Disciplinary actions: the university announced a review of measures taken between Oct 12 and Oct 21, but students say the review does not replace an immediate election notification.
What’s Next
- The draft constitution is due December 20, after which a formal election schedule is expected. Students have warned that any delay will be viewed as a “delaying tactic.”
- Security measures, including tightened entry checks and continued CCTV monitoring, will remain in place while negotiations continue.
The Jamia Millia Islamia protest remains centered on the demand for an elected student union, with political figures, university officials, and activist groups presenting divergent narratives about the movement’s motives and legitimacy.