Jamia Millia Islamia Student Protest: Torchlight March, Heavy Police Deployment as Students Demand Union Elections



NEW DELHI, October 26, 2026: Student protests at Jamia Millia Islamia in New Delhi intensified over demands for the restoration of student union elections and the withdrawal of disciplinary action against protesting students. The agitation, which began on October 12, included hunger strikes, demonstrations and a torchlight march, while heavy security deployment and restrictions on campus access heightened tensions.

The university has not held student union elections since 2005, and the elected students' union was dissolved in 2006. Protesters have called for the restoration of elected student representation, a clear election schedule and the withdrawal of suspensions and show-cause notices issued during the agitation.

On October 26, the university administration announced that student union elections would be held within 15 days of approval of the union's constitution. It also revoked protest-related suspension and show-cause notices and announced an inquiry into the conduct of security personnel. However, the conditions attached to the order and the absence of a fixed date for approving the constitution have left some students dissatisfied.



Why Are Jamia Millia Islamia Students Protesting?

The primary demand behind the agitation is the restoration of the Jamia Millia Islamia Students' Union (JMISU).

Students argue that an elected union would provide a formal platform to represent their concerns, communicate with university authorities and participate in decisions affecting campus life.

The current agitation began on October 12, when students started a hunger strike demanding the restoration of student union elections. The movement subsequently expanded, attracting support from other students and groups outside the university.

Protesters have also demanded the withdrawal of disciplinary action taken during the demonstrations, an inquiry into the conduct of campus security personnel and accountability for alleged mistreatment of students.

Some protesters have additionally called for the resignation of the university's Chief Proctor.



Torchlight March Intensifies the Student Movement

A torchlight and candle march became one of the prominent demonstrations during the agitation, reflecting students' determination to press for a clear commitment from the administration.

The march took place amid rallies, slogans and continued protests across the campus. Students maintained that they wanted a definite timetable for restoring the union rather than an open-ended process dependent on further administrative decisions.

The demonstrations also drew attention to the prolonged absence of elected student representation at the university.

As the protest continued, security arrangements were tightened around campus entrances. Students reported difficulties entering the university, while the presence of police and other security personnel increased tensions.



Heavy Police Deployment and Campus Restrictions

Security was strengthened at Jamia Millia Islamia as the demonstrations continued. Reports on October 25 and 26 described the deployment of Delhi Police and personnel from central security forces inside and outside the campus.

Students attempting to enter the university reportedly encountered restrictions at several gates. There were also reports of confrontations between protesters and security personnel, although accounts of individual incidents differed.

The university had shifted classes to online mode amid concerns about campus safety and disruption. Access to certain campus facilities, including libraries, was also restricted.

Police said an FIR had been registered following allegations of disorder during the protests. The university and protesters have presented differing accounts of some incidents, making further investigation important to establishing the facts.



University Agrees to Hold Student Union Elections

In a significant development on October 26, Jamia Millia Islamia issued an order stating that student union elections would be conducted 15 days after approval of the union's constitution.

The announcement followed discussions between university officials and student representatives after nearly two weeks of demonstrations and hunger strikes.

The order also revoked suspension and show-cause notices issued to students during the protest period. In addition, the administration said a committee would be constituted to investigate the conduct of security personnel during the agitation.

The decision addresses several of the protesters' central demands. However, the administration did not specify when the union constitution would be approved, meaning that the election timetable remains dependent on that preliminary step.







Why Are Some Students Still Dissatisfied?

Despite the announcement, some protesters questioned whether the university's order provided sufficient guarantees.

Their principal concern is that the election timeline begins only after approval of the union constitution, without a specified deadline for that approval. Students have argued that a firm commitment is necessary to ensure the process does not face further delays.

The order also records an undertaking by the protesting students to issue a public apology for statements and social media posts described by the administration as defamatory, and to remove the relevant posts.

Some students objected to this condition and questioned the circumstances in which it was included in the agreement.

Reports about the status of the agitation on October 26 differed: some said the protest had been called off following the agreement, while others reported that students remained dissatisfied and intended to continue until their concerns were addressed.

The distinction matters because the university's formal announcement and the protesters' response do not necessarily indicate that every aspect of the dispute has been resolved.



What Happens Next at Jamia Millia Islamia?

The immediate next steps concern approval of the students' union constitution, preparation for elections and implementation of the university's decision to revoke disciplinary notices.

The administration will also need to establish the committee announced to examine the conduct of security personnel during the protests.

For students, the central issue remains whether the commitments made by the university will translate into a clear and time-bound process for restoring elected representation.

The outcome may also influence relations between students and the administration as the university works to restore normal academic activities following the disruption.



Conclusion

The Jamia Millia Islamia protests have brought student representation, disciplinary action and campus security into sharp focus. The torchlight march and hunger strikes reflected students' demand for a functioning union and a definite election schedule after a gap of nearly two decades.

The university's October 26 order represents a significant development, promising elections after approval of the union constitution, revoking protest-related suspensions and announcing an inquiry into security personnel's conduct.

However, questions remain over the timing of constitutional approval and the conditions attached to the agreement. The implementation of the order, together with the response of student representatives, will determine whether the dispute moves towards a lasting resolution.





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