In the early hours of Thursday, February 13, Delhi Police, reportedly at the university’s request, detained several Jamia Millia Islamia University students who were protesting disciplinary actions against PhD researchers Atikur Rahman and Mohammad Asif, allegedly for organizing “Jamia Resistance Day” events.

The university cites disruption, vandalism, and “objectionable items,” while students, including AISA and SFI members, accuse the administration of stifling dissent. The university claims it offered dialogue, which students refused. Paramilitary forces are present.

Midnight Crackdown at Jamia

Tensions at Jamia Millia Islamia University escalated as Delhi Police, reportedly acting on the university administration’s request, detained several students between 3 am and 5 am on Thursday, February 13. The detentions stemmed from a protest – which the university describes as an “unlawful gathering in the academic block” – against disciplinary actions against PhD researchers Atikur Rahman and Mohammad Asif.

Student groups contend that these researchers are being unfairly targeted for their involvement in organizing “Jamia Resistance Day” events, commemorating the 2019 protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). Security measures have been heightened on campus since then.

Official Statement from Jamia Millia Islamia:

The university administration released the following statement: “A handful of students called for a protest, unlawfully gathering in the academic block since the evening of 10 Feb 2025. Since then they have… disturbed the peaceful conduct of classes… prevented other students from accessing the Central Library… vandalised university property, including the central canteen… broken the gate of the security advisor… violated university rules… found carrying objectionable contraband items.

Despite the University administration hav[ing] given [an] open offer to discuss their demands in [a] committee, they refused to listen and talk to the administration. Taking preventive measures, today morning the university administration and the Proctorial team removed the students… and they have been evicted… The police ha[s] been requested to maintain law and order.”

Student Accusations: Repression and a “Jail-Like” Atmosphere

Student organizations, including the All India Students’ Association (AISA) and the Students’ Federation of India (SFI), strongly criticized the police intervention. They allege it’s a deliberate attempt to silence dissent. AISA’s All-India President, Neha, was among those detained. AISA condemned the university’s actions as an attempt to crush student activism, invoking the slogan, “Dissent is the Legacy of Jamia.”

The SFI similarly condemned the actions, citing the suspension of Sakhi, the SFI JMI Unit President, and accusing the university of creating a “jail-like” environment. The presence of paramilitary forces and riot control vehicles has further heightened tensions, which students consider intimidating. They also referenced a restrictive Office Memorandum issued in 2022, limiting gatherings without prior permission.

Echoes of 2019 and the Fight for Autonomy

The disciplinary actions against Atikur Rahman and Mohammad Asif are seen by students as an attack on their right to commemorate historical events and express their political beliefs. The events of 2019, when Delhi Police entered the campus and reportedly used batons against students during CAA protests, continue to be a sensitive and important reference point.

The Logical Indian’s Perspective

The Logical Indian believes universities should be spaces for free thought, open dialogue, and peaceful assembly. The detention of students, especially at the university’s alleged request, is deeply troubling and raises questions about academic freedom and the right to protest. We urge authorities to ensure the students’ safety, conduct a fair investigation, and engage in dialogue.

How can we ensure universities remain bastions of critical thought and democratic values, where students can shape a better future without fear?