Jamia Millia Islamia shifts classes online as tension escalates on Day 13 of student protests

New Delhi: Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) announced on Saturday that all academic classes have been moved to online mode with immediate effect until further notice. The university described the move as a “precautionary measure” to ensure campus security as student demonstrations entered their 13th consecutive day.

Protesting students have been on a hunger strike demanding the restoration of the Jamia Millia Islamia Students’ Union (JMISU), which was dissolved in 2006, and the removal of the Chief Proctor following allegations of a crackdown on demonstrators.

In an official statement, the university authority noted, “In view of the ongoing situation and in order to ensure the safety and security of bonafide students on the university campus, the Competent Authority, JMI, has decided to conduct classes of all courses of the university through online mode with immediate effect until further notice.”

The institution further clarified that the decision was taken “to ensure the safety and well-being of bonafide students while safeguarding their academic interests and ensuring continuity in the teaching-learning process without any undue disruption”.

All deans, heads of departments, institute directors, faculty members and students have been instructed to strictly follow the online schedule. Teaching staff have also been asked to organise digital platforms and provide learning materials to facilitate virtual instruction.

Meanwhile, student groups alleged that university administrators launched a physical assault on the protest venue while talks were underway.

In a statement, the All India Students’ Association (AISA) claimed, “The hunger strikers and the protest site are being attacked. This reveals the most brutal face of the Jamia administration. Furthermore, the university has been shifted to online mode.”

Students have been actively demonstrating on campus since October 12.