Hundreds of frustrated Jamia students march to VC's office, demand she address them

Hundreds of students in Jamia Millia Islamia University marched to their Vice Chancellor's office on Tuesday demanding the withdrawal of the show-cause notice issued to five students. The students are on their ninth day of protest. Frustrated that the administration is refusing to pay them any heed, the students decided to gather at the VC's office and demand their attention.

Over 600 students gheraoed the VC Najma Akhtar's office on Tuesday morning and refused to leave the venue until someone from the administration addresses them. For the last nine days, the students have been on a protest against the administration's decision to issue show-cause notices to five students. These five students had participated in a symbolic demonstration to protest against Israel being a country-partner for an event on campus. The event had Israeli delegates as well and the students held a silent protest with placards.

The students alleged that they were manhandled by guards and proctorial staff. But when they demanded an enquiry and access to CCTV footage to prove their point, they were instead issued show-cause notices. Even though the classes have been taking place as usual, the protest has stayed consistent for the last nine days. Students have taken turns to stay through the night as well to hold their protest. After not hearing anything from the administration, the students reached their wit's end and on Tuesday hundreds of students walked to the VC's office to demand they address the issue. 

The students have been sloganeering all day but no one from the administration has made an appearance so far.