14 detained, tensions flare: Jamia Millia Islamia braces for more protests after police action

New Delhi: Delhi Police detained over 10 Jamia Millia Islamia University students following a protest against disciplinary action taken against two PhD scholars, sparking tensions over student activism and university regulations. As the university administration accuses students of vandalism and disruption, student leaders claim the institution is suppressing dissent and curtailing their right to protest, highlighting a growing conflict over campus policies and the legacy of the 2019 anti-CAA movement.

Police Action and University Response

Delhi Police detained over 10 Jamia Millia Islamia University students on Thursday, February 13, after the university requested intervention to remove protesters from the campus. The students were protesting disciplinary action against two PhD scholars who had been served show-cause notices for allegedly organizing a demonstration against university policies in December 2024. According to police sources, the university requested the removal of protesters to prevent further disturbances.

.#SOS

Delhi Police detains students of Jamia at 5 AM!

Shame on Jamia VC and Proctor on their intimidation tactics and crackdown against students of the university!#JamiaMilliaIslamia & Delhi Police join hands to illegally detain students en masse from the campus! pic.twitter.com/D8TC7E7dg4

— Neha (@neha_aisa) February 13, 2025

The university administration stated that the students had been unlawfully gathered in the academic block since the evening of February 10, disrupting classes and damaging university property.

Accusations of Vandalism and Disruption

The university administration accused the protesting students of vandalizing university property, including the central canteen, and breaking the gate of the security advisor's office. They also claimed that the students violated university rules and were found carrying "objectionable contraband items". The university stated that these actions forced them to take preventive measures to ensure academic activities could continue as normal. The administration added that despite offering to discuss the students' demands through a committee, the protesters refused to engage with university officials.

Student Demands and Allegations of Crackdown

Student leader Sonakshi told that the protesters have four key demands: revoking the show-cause notices issued to the two PhD students, repealing the 2022 Office Memorandum that restricts protests on campus, scrapping the ₹50,000 fine for graffiti and posters, and ensuring no future disciplinary action against students for participating in protests. The students argue that the university is suppressing dissent and using administrative restrictions to curb protests and student activities. They claim the university has been systematically targeting those who voice dissent.

Ongoing Tensions and Historical Context

The disciplinary committee is set to meet on February 25 to review the role of the two PhD students in organizing "Jamia Resistance Day" on December 15, 2024, an annual event marking the 2019 anti-Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) protests. Tensions between the university administration and student groups have a history, with previous police action at Jamia Millia Islamia dating back to the 2019 anti-CAA demonstrations.