Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) has shifted classes for all university courses to online mode with immediate effect, citing concerns over the safety and security of students amid ongoing protests on campus. The university announced the decision in a notice on October 24, stating that online classes would continue until further notice.The university said the move was a precautionary measure to protect students and ensure that academic activities continue without disruption.
Why are JMI students protesting?
The decision comes amid protests by students demanding the restoration of the Jamia Millia Islamia Students’ Union (JMISU) and the removal of the university’s chief proctor. Students have accused the administration of cracking down on protesters.The protest began on October 12 after five students, Ebin Basil, Mohd Jasim Khan, Rehan Haider, Rehan Pawar and Faizan Ali Khan, started an indefinite hunger strike. The students’ union was dissolved in March 2006.The protests have continued for several weeks as students press for the restoration of their union.
Row over alleged ‘Free Kashmir’ slogans
The campus protests also triggered a controversy over allegations that slogans calling for a “Free Kashmir” were raised during the demonstrations. The claim was denied by protesting students and Congress leader Imran Masood, who visited the campus on Friday to meet the protesters.“No slogans calling for a ‘free Kashmir’ were raised there, not a single one,” Masood said, according to ANI. He added that he had condemned such slogans and stated that Kashmir was an integral part of India.
University asks faculty to ensure continuity of classes
In its notice, the university said the shift to online teaching was intended to safeguard students’ academic interests while maintaining continuity in the teaching-learning process.The university said any further instructions or updates regarding the arrangement would be communicated through its official channels.