JMI Yields to Hunger Strike: Student Union Elections Promised After 20 Years
Jamia Millia Islamia administration issues order on JMISU elections and student suspensions after a 15-day hunger strike.
In a major development following a grueling 15-day hunger strike, the administration of Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) has issued an official order addressing the long-standing grievances of its student body. The move comes after intense pressure from various groups, including the All India Students Association (AISA) and the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA), who have been demanding democratic representation on campus.
The Return of Student Union Elections
The most significant highlight of the directive, issued by Registrar Md Mahtab Alam Rizvi on Monday, October 26, 2026, is the commitment to hold Jamia Millia Islamia Students' Union (JMISU) elections. This marks a historic shift for the university, as student union polls have been absent from the campus since 2006.
According to the order, the elections will be conducted within 15 days once the formal approval of the union's constitution is granted. This decision follows a formal "Demand of Hunger Strike Students" letter submitted by student delegates to the university authorities.
Amnesty for Protesting Students
Beyond the promise of elections, the administration has taken several steps to ease the tension on campus:
- Revocation of Penalties: All suspension orders and show-cause notices issued to students during the protest period have been revoked.
- Accountability for Security: The university has pledged to form a dedicated committee to investigate the behavior and conduct of security personnel during the demonstrations.
The 'Apology' Clause and Remaining Friction
However, the administration's concessions come with specific conditions. The order mandates that participating students must issue a public apology for any actions, posts, or statements deemed defamatory toward the administration. Furthermore, students are required to immediately delete any such content from their social media profiles.
Why Some Students Are Still Striking
Despite the official order, the atmosphere on campus remains tense. A section of the student community remains dissatisfied, arguing that the administration has left the timeline for the constitution's approval ambiguous.
Critics of the order claim that without a binding, written roadmap and a definitive date for the elections, the promise remains hollow. Consequently, some students have chosen to continue their hunger strike, demanding concrete commitments rather than conditional promises.
Campus Safety Measures
The unrest has had a direct impact on the academic calendar. To ensure the safety of the student population amidst the ongoing friction, the university had previously shifted all academic classes to an online format.