Demand for students' union, row over ‘slogans’ trigger tensions in Jamia Millia Islamia

The protest at Jamia Millia Islamia has entered its 13th day, as students demand the restoration of their students' union. The university administration has announced it will move classes online, citing concerns over student safety. This decision came a day after it was alleged that 'Free Kashmir' slogans were raised on the campus, which was rejected by the students and Congress leader Imran Masood.

The students have been protesting over the past few weeks, calling for the removal of the university's chief proctor for allegedly "cracking down" on protesters. The student union at Jamia was dissolved in March 2006. AIA, a student organization, alleged that the university administration began assaulting students during negotiations on Saturday.

Jasim Ali Khan, who has been on a hunger strike since the protest began, accused the administration of launching a "crackdown" and demanded the revocation of suspensions of students. Videos surfaced online showing students being removed from a protest camp and forcibly detained. Congress MP Imran Masood visited the campus to meet protesting students and denied any allegations of 'Free Kashmir' slogans being raised.

The police have been urged to take action against those responsible for putting up the alleged graffiti, which reads 'Free Kashmir,' 'Free Palestine,' 'Free Sharjeel Imam,' and 'RSS Go Back.' The university has cancelled its 106th Foundation Day celebrations due to the ongoing protests.