New Delhi, October 24, 2026: The ongoing protest at Jamia Millia Islamia over the restoration of the university’s students’ union intensified on Friday evening, with Delhi Police detaining 10 people, including Congress MP Imran Masood, near the university. Samajwadi Party MP Mohibbullah Nadvi was also detained while attempting to meet students participating in the agitation.
The protest, which began on October 12, centres on students’ demand for restoration of the Jamia Millia Islamia Students’ Union and a formal announcement of an election schedule.
Students Demand Restoration of Union
Jamia students have been on an indefinite hunger strike since October 12, demanding that the university restore an elected students’ union.
The university has not held a students’ union election since 2005, with the union remaining absent since 2006.
Congress MP Imran Masood Detained
Congress MP Imran Masood arrived near the university to express support for the protesting students.
Police detained him before he could join the demonstration, as security restrictions remained in place around the campus.
Samajwadi Party MP Also Stopped
Samajwadi Party MP Mohibbullah Nadvi was also detained while on his way to meet the students.
He was later released. Nadvi alleged that police pushed and manhandled him during the detention, though police have not accepted that allegation as established fact.
Police Say MPs Tried to Enter Without Permission
A senior police officer told Hindustan Times that the two MPs were attempting to enter the university without permission and join the ongoing protest.
Police said they were placed under preventive detention outside the campus. The officer also said no students were detained in that specific police action.
Protest Has Continued Since October 12
The agitation has now continued for nearly two weeks.
Students say their primary demand is a formal notification restoring the students’ union and announcing a timeline for elections.
Other Student Issues Also Raised
Alongside the union issue, protesters have raised concerns about academic facilities, hostel conditions, attendance regulations, scholarships and research stipends.
However, students have repeatedly said that the immediate priority is restoration of democratic student representation.
University Forms Committee
Jamia Millia Islamia has formed a committee to draft a new constitution for the proposed students’ union.
The move has not ended the protest, as students continue to demand a specific election schedule rather than only the creation of a committee.
Earlier Confrontation Added to Tensions
The agitation became more tense on October 17 when authorities attempted to remove protesters from the Ghalib Lawn area near Gate No. 7.
Several student organisations subsequently extended their support to the protesting students.
Women Students Hold Solidarity March
Women students also organised a march in support of the agitation.
They reiterated the demand that the university restore the students’ union and announce a date for elections.
Imran Masood Condemns Controversial Posters
Before being detained, Masood also referred to controversial slogans and posters reported on campus.
He condemned attempts to weaken the protest through such material while maintaining that students’ demand for an elected union was legitimate.
‘Free Kashmir’ Graffiti Sparks Separate Controversy
The protest has also become entangled in a separate controversy after photographs circulated showing graffiti including slogans such as “Free Kashmir”, “Free Palestine” and “Free Sharjeel Imam”.
The Vishva Hindu Parishad criticised the graffiti and demanded action. PTI said it could not independently verify the authenticity of all photographs circulating online.
University Condemns Graffiti
Jamia’s administration condemned the slogans and said officials were working to identify those responsible.
The university also said some CCTV cameras in the relevant areas appeared to have been tampered with or disconnected.
Security Tightened Across Campus
Security has been strengthened around university gates and academic departments.
Students are being checked while entering parts of the campus as authorities attempt to prevent further confrontations and maintain order.
Dispute Over Construction Near Protest Site
Students have also alleged that walls were being constructed near Gates 7 and 10 to restrict gatherings around the protest area.
The university denied the allegation, saying the work was part of routine restoration and maintenance intended to improve safety and security.
Opposition Leaders Seek Dialogue
RJD Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Yadav has written to Jamia Vice-Chancellor Professor Mazhar Asif urging the administration to restore the union, withdraw disciplinary action against protesters and announce a transparent election timeline.
He argued that an elected students’ union provides an important platform for democratic representation and student leadership.
Protest Likely to Continue
The students have indicated that they will continue the agitation until the administration formally announces restoration of the union and an election schedule.
With political leaders now joining the issue and police intervention increasing, the dispute has developed into a wider debate over student representation, campus governance and the handling of peaceful protest.
Source: The Indian Express, Hindustan Times, PTI
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