Security was heightened outside Jamia Millia Islamia’s gate number 8 today after students called for a protest, according to eyewitnesses. A student told the OT that they had gheraoed the security advisor’s office, prompting authorities to step up security around the campus.
Student leader Saurabh Tripathi said students have been demanding the ouster of the security advisor, alleging that during the Batla House encounter anniversary protest on September 19, university guards had manhandled students.
A video showing a female student being dragged had also surfaced on social media.
Several protesting students who had gathered near gate number 7 on that day and had attempted to march toward L-18, near Khalilullah Mosque, were detained but later released.
By the time of filing this report, the protest had been called off and security personnel dispersed from outside the campus.
The September 19 incident had left many Jamia students, alumni, and well-wishers bewildered by the treatment of the protesters. On September 21, students had again assembled at gate number 7, demanding the resignation of the security advisor. The protest was called off that day after assurances that an inquiry into the incident would be conducted, it is understood.
However, students said they have not been briefed on the progress of the inquiry even after several days. As the security advisor’s office is located at SRK Hostel, some students reportedly went there today to urge the administration to expedite the matter.
The university is yet to issue an official statement on the development.
As word spread across the locality about security being tightened outside Jamia Millia Islamia, several YouTubers and citizen journalists rushed to the spot to cover the unfolding situation. In one such Facebook Live stream, a journalist remarked that the university administration now tends to increase security presence immediately after students announce a protest call.
Interestingly, just a day earlier, security had also been reinforced outside the campus when a group of students gathered to celebrate Diwali. The festival of lights falls on October 21 this year, but due to holidays some students had begun early celebrations inside the campus, prompting heightened vigilance. Every year Diwali is celebrated in Jamia and the university buildings are also decked up on the occasion of the festival of lights.
An alumnus of Jamia said these frequent deployments reflect a new pattern in the administration’s approach. “Now, even on minor issues, security is tightened to ensure law and order is not disturbed and to prevent any potential clashes between student groups,” he observed.
