Jamia Students Seek Union Constitution and Timeline for Elections
The demand for a students' union and elections at Jamia Millia Islamia has grown louder, with students vowing to continue their hunger strike. The protesters have set out a detailed set of demands and a deadline for the university administration.
On October 26, students submitted a written list of demands to the Vice-Chancellor. They have clarified that their protest, including the hunger strike, will remain in place until the administration takes firm and definite decisions.
The students' primary request is that the university frame and approve a students' union constitution by December 20. They have further demanded that the election date be formally announced within 15 days of the constitution being approved.
The students stated that they want more than promises. They are calling for a specific and enforceable timeline that connects every stage of the process, from constitution approval to the declaration of election dates.
The protesters have also asked for the immediate withdrawal of all disciplinary actions taken in connection with the agitation. Those actions include show-cause notices, suspensions, campus entry bans and expulsion from the university.
In addition, they have requested that no future disciplinary action be taken over this protest. Their list of demands includes the resignation of the Chief Security Advisor.
The students also maintain that peaceful protest is their constitutional right. They said that no student who participated in the demonstrations should be expected to apologise.
In their appeal to the Vice-Chancellor, the students urged the administration to adopt a clear stance on every demand. They also asked that the union formation process be completed within the set timeframe, saying firm and positive commitment from the administration is essential to end the agitation.
The students want the union to be formed through a democratic, elected process. For now, they have announced that the hunger strike and peaceful protest will continue, and they are closely monitoring the administration's reaction and its next moves.