Jamia students protest for union elections amid slogans and police presence

Students at Jamia Millia Islamia in Delhi have been protesting since October 12, demanding the restoration of the Jamia Millia Islamia Students' Union and an announcement of the 2026-27 election schedule. The last union elections were held in 2005, and the union was dissolved in 2006.

Protesters have held an indefinite hunger strike at the Ghalib Lawns on campus. Women students have marched on campus in solidarity with the hunger strikers.

“We won't stop until the university restores the union by announcing the JMISU date.”

Graffiti reading 'Free Kashmir' and 'Free Sharjeel Imam' appeared on campus walls, along with slogans targeting the RSS, ABVP and the university's Vice-Chancellor. The ABVP objected to the slogans and demanded action.

Delhi Police detained ten people, including Congress MP Imran Masood, near the university on Friday. Students also confronted police personnel at Gate No. 4, an entry point used to access the university hostel.

The university suspended offline classes and shifted to online teaching as tensions mounted. It also ordered the closure of its gates and libraries until further notice to ensure safety and maintain continuity in teaching.

The Chief Proctor's office issued a notification concerning disciplinary proceedings against students between October 12 at 5.30 pm and October 21. The university administration and student groups have offered differing accounts of a confrontation between protesting students and university staff at the hunger strike site on Saturday.