Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) has shifted classes for all courses to online mode with immediate effect amid continuing student protests over the demand to restore the university's students' union. The university announced the decision on Saturday, citing student safety, as the All India Students' Association (AISA) accused the administration of assaulting protesters while negotiations were under way. The hunger strike by five students entered its 13th day on Saturday. The protesters are demanding the restoration of the Jamia Millia Islamia Students' Union (JMISU), the removal of the university's Chief Proctor and the withdrawal of disciplinary action against students.
In a notice issued on Saturday, the university said classes for all courses would be conducted online "with immediate effect until further notice".
The administration described the move as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety and well-being of students.
"All Deans/Heads/Directors and faculty members as well as all bonafide students are hereby directed to adhere to the online class schedule and ensure regular participation in academic activities," the notice stated.
The university also asked faculty members to make arrangements for online teaching and provide students with the necessary academic support and learning materials.
The announcement came as protests continued on campus over the students' demand for the restoration of the union, which was dissolved in March 2006.
Following the university's announcement, AISA alleged that the administration had targeted students and the hunger-strike site while discussions were under way.
"The hunger strikers and the protest site are being attacked. This reveals the most brutal face of the Jamia administration," the students' organisation said in a press release.
The allegation comes amid an ongoing standoff between the protesting students and the university administration. The university's notice cited safety concerns as the reason for moving classes online.
The hunger strike began on October 12, with five students demanding the restoration of JMISU. The protesters have also called for the removal of the Chief Proctor, accusing the administration of taking disciplinary action against students involved in the demonstration.
Jasim Ali Khan, one of the hunger strikers, accused the university administration of launching a crackdown and demanded that the suspensions imposed on students be revoked.
Another protester, Anas, called for the withdrawal of show-cause notices issued to students by the proctor and disciplinary committee. He said the agitation would continue until the demand for restoring the students' union was met.
During the initial days of the protest, Delhi Police attempted to remove demonstrators from the designated protest site on campus, leading to an escalation in the agitation.
The protests have also drawn attention following the appearance of graffiti carrying the slogan "Free Kashmir" on the university campus.
Anas denied that the protesters or hunger strikers were responsible for the graffiti and urged the administration to investigate the matter using campus security footage.
"A narrative is being peddled to (disrupt) the protest. We don’t know whether the (university) administration or someone is peddling this. This is a matter of investigation since the responsibility for the security of Jamia lies with the admin," he said.
He added: "You check the cameras to see who is writing (such slogans) and clear the matter. The protesters and (hunger) strikers are absolutely not involved in this. The protest has been peaceful since day one and will remain the same in future."
The students have maintained that their agitation is focused on the restoration of the union and the withdrawal of disciplinary action. The university has yet to announce when regular on-campus classes will resume.
