Jamia 'Shutdown' is BJP's Fear of Dissent: Pawan Khera
Congress leader Pawan Khera accuses the BJP of repressing dissent following the prolonged closure of Jamia Millia Islamia.
Congress leader Pawan Khera has launched a blistering attack on the central authorities following the prolonged closure of the Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) campus, describing the move as a manifestation of the BJP's hostility toward youth and democratic dissent. Khera asserted that the response to students demanding their constitutional rights has been repression rather than dialogue.
'Undeclared Emergency' at Jamia
Taking to X, Pawan Khera claimed that India has been living under an "undeclared emergency" for months, which has now taken a formal shape at Jamia Millia Islamia. He highlighted that the university has effectively been shut down until January 13, spanning a period of 78 days.
Khera questioned the justification for such severe restrictions, arguing that students were merely exercising their fundamental constitutional rights under Article 19(1)(c) to form associations and unions, specifically calling for an elected student union.
"This is what the BJP’s fear of dissent looks like. This is what its hostility towards young people looks like. When students demand their democratic rights, the response is not dialogue but repression," Khera wrote.
The Academic Timeline
The political firestorm follows a formal notification from the Jamia Millia Islamia administration regarding a revised academic calendar. The university has shifted its operations to a digital format for the foreseeable future:
- Until November 24: Online classes will continue, marking the end of odd-semester teaching.
- November 25 to 30: Project vivas, field work, and practicals will be conducted online.
- December 1 to 24: Online theory examinations will take place.
- December 25 to January 12, 2027: Winter vacation.
- January 13, 2027: Physical classes for the even semester are scheduled to resume.
Government Response: 'Hooliganism' vs. Dialogue
The situation escalated after reports of vandalism, stone-pelting, and damage to university infrastructure during protests on a Tuesday night. Union Education Minister Pralhad Joshi condemned the violence, dismissing those involved as "hooligans" rather than students.
Addressing the long-standing demand for student union elections, Joshi noted that no such elections have been held since 2006, calling the persistence of this issue "completely unacceptable." He warned that strict action would be taken against those responsible for the unrest.
Steps Toward Resolution
Despite the hardline stance on violence, the Union Minister revealed that a high-level seven-member committee, consisting of senior professors and deans, has been formed. This committee is tasked with:
- Examining the concerns raised by the student body.
- Reviewing disciplinary actions taken against specific individuals to ensure they were fair.
Campus Tension and Administration Warnings
The unrest stems from a student agitation demanding the restoration of the students' union and a clear timeline for elections. In response to the chaos, the university administration issued a final warning for students to vacate the Ghalib Lawn and the Gulistan-e-Ghalib Building in the North Campus to avoid legal action.
In a move to ease tensions, the administration announced that student union elections would be conducted 15 days after the union's constitution is approved. Additionally, the university has revoked show-cause notices and suspensions issued during the protests and promised an inquiry into the conduct of the security staff.