Jamia Millia Islamia in Delhi has shifted all classes online with immediate effect until further notice, citing student safety and security amid ongoing campus protests. The decision, announced on October 24, comes as an agitation demanding the restoration of the elected students’ union entered its 13th day.
The developments coincide with a controversy over slogans, including “Free Kashmir” and “Free Sharjeel Imam”, found written on campus walls. Messages targeting the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) and the university’s Vice-Chancellor were also reported. The administration has condemned the graffiti and said it is trying to identify those responsible, while ABVP has demanded action.
Slogans Trigger Controversy
The controversy emerged after slogans, including “Free Kashmir”, “Free Palestine”, “Free Sharjeel Imam”, “RSS Go Back” and “VC Go Back”, were reportedly found written on walls across the university campus. Messages targeting ABVP were also reported. The university administration condemned the graffiti and said efforts were underway to identify those responsible. According to media reports, a university official described the incident as “highly condemnable” and said strict action would be taken against those involved. The slogans were subsequently removed, while officials reportedly found that some CCTV cameras in the affected areas had been tampered with. The identity of those responsible for writing the messages has not been established.
On October 24, the university issued a notice directing all departments to conduct classes online with immediate effect until further notice. The administration said the decision was a precautionary measure intended to ensure students’ safety and security while safeguarding their academic interests and maintaining continuity in teaching and learning. Faculty members have been asked to make the necessary arrangements for online classes and provide students with academic support and learning materials. No date has been announced for the resumption of in-person classes.
ABVP has demanded action against those responsible, calling for an investigation into the incident. Police personnel have been deployed outside the campus, while security checks have reportedly been tightened within the university.
Amid the developments, the university issued a notice on October 24 announcing that classes across all courses would be conducted online with immediate effect until further notice. The administration said the decision was taken to ensure the safety and security of students while protecting their academic interests and maintaining continuity in teaching and learning. Faculty members have been directed to make arrangements for online classes, and no date has been announced for the resumption of in-person teaching.
Student Union Dispute
The developments come amid an ongoing student agitation demanding the restoration of the Jamia Millia Islamia Students’ Union (JMISU), which was dissolved in 2006. Students began protesting on October 12, with several launching an indefinite hunger strike at Ghalib Lawns to press for the restoration of the union and an announcement of election dates for the 2026–27 academic session.
The protesters have also raised concerns about disciplinary action against students involved in the agitation and the administration’s handling of demonstrations on campus. The university, meanwhile, has taken steps to engage with the students and examine their demands.
A committee has been constituted to draft a constitution for the students’ union, with the process expected to examine the circumstances surrounding the union’s dissolution, relevant court rulings and recommendations of the Lyngdoh Committee on student elections. The committee is expected to submit its draft by December 20.
However, the students have continued to press for an election schedule, arguing that their demand for elected representation remains unresolved. The university has also cancelled its Talimi Mela 2026, scheduled from October 29 to November 1, citing the ongoing unrest and concerns about the safety of students, guests and participants.
The decision to shift classes online marks another significant development in the dispute, as the administration seeks to maintain academic activities while addressing campus security concerns. The controversy surrounding the slogans and the students’ demand for union elections remain separate issues, with the identities of those responsible for the graffiti yet to be established.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The incident calls for a fair investigation without assumptions about who is responsible. At the same time, students’ demands for elected representation deserve a transparent response. Dialogue, accountability and respect for peaceful protest are essential to restoring trust on campus. How can universities protect student safety while upholding democratic participation?
Also Read: ‘We Will Not Sign Peace Bond’: AISA Chief Neha Bora Refuses ₹10,000 Bond After Delhi HC Rejects Plea
Delhi: Jamia Millia Islamia has decided to conduct classes of all courses online with immediate effect until further notice, citing the ongoing situation and the need to ensure the safety and security of students on campus. https://t.co/Q0RKXVzHGF
— ANI (@ANI) October 24, 2026
