Jamia Student Union Elections Row Continues as Students Reject Conditions

Jamia Millia Islamia issued a fresh order on Monday, October 26, amid the ongoing protest demanding the restoration of student union elections. However, the administration’s decision has failed to resolve the standoff, as protesting students have rejected its conditions and vowed to continue their hunger strike until a definite election date is announced.

The order, issued at around 4:30 am, states that student union elections will be held within 15 days of the approval of the union’s constitution. However, it does not specify when the constitution will be approved, leaving the election schedule uncertain.

The administration has also directed protesting students to remove allegedly defamatory statements and social media posts against university officials. It further asked them to issue a public apology during a press conference and immediately end their protest.

Students Reject Administration’s Conditions

Students participating in the hunger strike have rejected the conditions set by the university administration. They maintain that the order does not provide a clear timeline for restoring the student union or conducting elections.

The protesters have said they will not issue a public apology. They also insist that the agitation will continue until the administration provides a firm election date and addresses their demands in writing.

According to a statement attributed to the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association, the order does not contain a clear declaration on the restoration of the student union. The organisation said several important concerns raised by students remain unresolved.

Registrar Meets Protesters Early Monday

According to the students’ account, Jamia Registrar Professor Mohammad Mahtab Alam Rizvi reached the campus at around 4:30 am on Monday to speak with the protesting students.

He reportedly shared the official order issued by the university administration and appealed to the students to end their agitation, stating that their demands had been addressed.

However, the protesters disputed this position, arguing that an assurance of elections within 15 days of an unspecified constitutional approval does not provide the certainty they are seeking.

What Does the University Order Say?

The university’s October 26 order outlines several measures concerning the ongoing protest and the proposed restoration of student union elections.

Elections Linked to Approval of Union Constitution

According to the order, Jamia Millia Islamia Students’ Union elections will take place within 15 days after the union’s constitution receives approval.

However, the administration has not specified a deadline for approving the constitution. This has become a central point of disagreement between the university and the protesters.

Students argue that without a fixed date for constitutional approval, the election timeline remains uncertain.

Suspension Orders and Show-Cause Notices Withdrawn

The order also withdraws suspension orders and show-cause notices issued to students in connection with the protest, according to the copy shared by the student group.

In addition, the administration has announced a committee to investigate the conduct of security personnel during the agitation.

These measures address some of the students’ concerns. However, the protesters have also raised the issue of the proctor’s resignation, which they say has not been addressed in the order.

Administration Seeks Public Apology From Protesters

The university has directed the protesting students to remove allegedly defamatory statements, actions and social media posts targeting the administration.

It has also asked them to hold a press conference and issue a public apology. The order states that the protest must end immediately following the issuance of the directive.

The students, however, have refused to accept these conditions. They maintain that their demands concern democratic representation on campus and the restoration of an elected student body.

The disagreement over the apology requirement has added another point of contention to the dispute.

Why Are Students Continuing Their Hunger Strike?

The protesters say that the university’s order does not offer a clear roadmap for conducting student union elections. In particular, they want a firm timeline for approving the constitution and holding the polls.

They have argued that general assurances cannot be treated as fulfilment of their demands without specific written commitments.

The students have also maintained that their movement aims to protect democratic rights and secure proper student representation within the university.

For now, the administration’s order has withdrawn disciplinary notices against students and promised an inquiry into the conduct of security personnel. However, disagreement over the election schedule and the conditions imposed on protesters continues to prevent a resolution.

The hunger strike and agitation are set to continue, according to the protesting students, until the administration provides clear written assurances addressing their concerns.

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