New Delhi: Security was tightened at Jamia Millia Islamia after slogans including “Free Kashmir” and “Free Sharjeel Imam” were found written on walls inside the university campus, triggering controversy amid an ongoing student agitation demanding the restoration of the elected students’ union.
The walls also carried slogans targeting the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) and the university’s Vice Chancellor. The ABVP objected to the graffiti and demanded action against those responsible.
Police personnel were deployed outside the campus as a precautionary measure, while security checks were intensified inside the university. Students were checked before being allowed to enter various departments and centres.
The university administration condemned the slogans and initiated efforts to identify those responsible. The graffiti was subsequently removed using chemical agents. Some CCTV cameras were also reportedly found tampered with, with wiring disconnected or damaged in areas where the slogans appeared.
The controversy comes amid an indefinite student agitation that began on October 12, with protesters demanding the restoration of elections to the Jamia Millia Islamia Students’ Union (JMISU) and the announcement of the election schedule for 2026 to 2027.
Women students joined marches in solidarity with the protesters as the administration removed the slogans and began efforts to identify those responsible.
Students have been holding an indefinite hunger strike at Ghalib Lawns since October 12. Tensions escalated on October 17 when university authorities attempted to remove demonstrators from the area near Gate No. 7.
Amid the agitation, Jamia Millia Islamia constituted a five member committee to draft a constitution for the students’ union, which was dissolved in 2006.
The committee will examine the circumstances surrounding the dissolution, relevant court rulings and recommendations of the Lyngdoh Committee. It will also consult stakeholders, including students, before submitting a draft constitution by December 20.
The protesting students have rejected the committee’s formation, arguing that it does not address their immediate demands.
Their key demands include the announcement of the 2026 to 2027 election schedule, withdrawal of disciplinary proceedings against protesters, and the removal of the Chief Proctor and Security Advisor.
Students have also objected to a notification stating that disciplinary action initiated between October 12 and October 21 would be reviewed, while warning of strict action over subsequent incidents.
The protesters have maintained that their hunger strike will continue until the university formally announces the students’ union election schedule.
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