The university said online classes would begin with immediate effect and continue until further orders. Screengrab: ANI
Jamia Millia Islamia shifts classes online amid student protests
The university has moved all courses online, citing student safety amid protests demanding the restoration of the students’ union
Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) has shifted teaching to online mode following protests by students seeking the restoration of their union. The university’s 106th Foundation Day celebrations were also called off after slogans raised during the demonstrations sparked a row on campus.
In a notice issued on Saturday(October 24), the university said online classes would begin with immediate effect and continue until further orders. The decision applies to all courses. The administration said it had acted out of concern for student safety.
‘Talimi Mela’ cancelled amid campus unrest
The protests have also led to the cancellation of ‘Talimi Mela’, scheduled from October 29 to November 1 in New Delhi. The event was planned to mark the university’s 106th Foundation Day and present its cultural and educational heritage.
Also Read: Why are Jamia Millia students on an indefinite hunger strike?
“The protesting students have not yet agreed to the proposed resolution, and normalcy has not yet been restored on campus. In view of this, and keeping the safety and well-being of our students, guests and participants foremost in mind, it has been decided with deep regret to cancel Talimi Mela 2026, scheduled from 29 October to 1 November 2026,” JMI’s Dean of Students’ Welfare said in an internal communication dated October 21 to department heads and deans, reported the Hindustan Times.
In its notice on online classes, the university directed deans, heads, directors, faculty members and students to follow the online timetable and continue academic activities. Faculty members were asked to arrange online lessons and provide students with learning materials.
AISA alleges assault on protesting students
The All India Students’ Association (AISA), meanwhile, accused the administration of “assaulting students” during negotiations. “The hunger strikers and the protest site are being attacked. This reveals the most brutal face of the Jamia administration,” it said in a press release, reported ANI.
Also Read: Jamia Millia Islamia protest: Delhi Police storm campus, forcibly remove students
The students further alleged that the university administration, with the help of security personnel and Delhi Police, attempted to forcibly evict protesters from the campus while negotiations were under way.
The protest began on October 12, when five students, Ebin Basil, Mohd Jasim Khan, Rehan Haider, Rehan Pawar and Faizan Ali Khan, started an indefinite hunger strike. On Saturday, the strike entered its 13th day.
Students press for union's restoration
The students are demanding the restoration of the Jamia Millia Islamia Students’ Union (JMISU), which was dissolved in March 2006. They have also called for the removal of the university’s chief proctor, accusing the office of “cracking down” on protesters.
Jasim Ali Khan, who has been on hunger strike since the protest began, accused the administration of launching a “crackdown” and sought the withdrawal of student suspensions.
As for the “free Kashmir” slogan allegedly being raised during the protest, Anas, another student, denied the allegation, reported ANI.
The protest escalated in its early days after Delhi Police tried to remove demonstrators from the designated protest site on campus.