New Delhi: More than 10 students from Jamia Millia Islamia University were detained by Delhi Police early Thursday after protesting against disciplinary action taken against two PhD scholars, officials said.

The university had issued show-cause notices to the scholars for allegedly organising a demonstration last year. The protests, which began on Monday, were aimed at condemning what students described as the administration’s “crackdown on student activism.”

University alleges vandalism

The university administration claimed that protesting students vandalised campus property, including the central canteen, and damaged the security advisor’s office gate, leading to disciplinary measures.

According to police sources, the university requested police intervention to remove the students from the protest site to prevent further unrest.

“We removed over 10 students at around 4 a.m. after receiving a request from the administration. Heavy police security has been deployed outside the campus to maintain order,” a police source said.

Students allege missing detainees

Following the police action, several students gathered outside Kalkaji police station, alleging that at least 20 protesters had been detained without any disclosure of their whereabouts.

“Multiple Jamia students were detained from the campus around 5 a.m. Their location remains unknown,” one protester claimed.

Some students reportedly received suspension letters from the administration, citing their involvement in the protests and alleged acts of vandalism.

The suspension notice, as seen by students, stated: “You are suspended with immediate effect from Jamia Millia Islamia due to your involvement in vandalism, unauthorised protests, and defamation of the university. This suspension will remain in effect until the Disciplinary Committee completes its proceedings.”

University defends action

In a statement, the university administration said that a small group of students had unlawfully gathered in the academic block since the evening of Feb. 10, disrupting classes and blocking access to the central library.

“They violated university rules and were found in possession of objectionable contraband items. The administration, taking a strong view of the damage to university property, has implemented preventive measures to ensure academic activities continue as normal,” the statement read.

The administration added that it had offered to discuss student concerns through a committee, but the protesters refused to engage with university officials.

“As a preventive measure, the university administration and the Proctorial team evicted the students from the protest site. The police have been requested to maintain order,” the statement said.

Protesters' demands

Student leader Sonakshi told PTI that the protesters have four key demands: revoking the show-cause notices against the PhD scholars, repealing the 2022 Office Memorandum that restricts protests on campus, scrapping the Rs 50,000 fine for graffiti and posters, and ensuring no future disciplinary action against students for participating in demonstrations.

The university’s disciplinary committee is scheduled to meet on Feb. 25 to review the role of the two PhD students in organising “Jamia Resistance Day” on Dec. 15, 2024, an annual event commemorating the 2019 anti-Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) protests.

Security has been tightened around the university following the protests.

“We have deployed one paramilitary company and over 100 Delhi Police personnel outside the campus. Our forces have been directed to maintain law and order, and we are in contact with university authorities,” a senior police officer said.

Jamia Millia Islamia has been a focal point for student protests in recent years. On Dec. 15, 2019, police allegedly stormed the campus and baton-charged students inside the library while searching for “outsiders” during anti-CAA protests. The crackdown sparked nationwide demonstrations.

(With inputs from PTI)