Abdul Hayee Khan & Shaista Fatima/New Delhi

A notice issued by Jamia Millia Islamia University administration directing students not to use the campus for political activities has ruffled feathers among the student community and has evoked reactions from society in general.

The Registrar Prof. Nazim Husain Jafri on Monday issued a memorandum saying that it has been observed that some students who are associated with different political parties use the campus for their political agenda. Every now and then, they hold protests, dharnas and boycott campaigns on the campus for their malafide and political interests.

“They spoil the peaceful academic environment of the campus and disturb routine activities of the majority of discipline students throughout the academic session. No meeting or gathering of students shall be allowed in any part of the campus without prior permission of the Proctor, failing which disciplinary action shall be taken against the erring students.." the circular said.

Reacting to the move, Hameed, a PhD Scholar AJKMCRC, said: “The proctorial staff is restricting students from having a gathering of any kind. Our university has a legacy of engaging with society, interacting with the students, and engaging with the nation’s problems. This university was established to strengthen the national movement against imperialist rule in India..."

He added that the founding fathers insisted on students learning more via interaction and not just textbook knowledge. Thus, having democratic gatherings, debates and talks will strengthen student’s overall growth.

Tahseen- another Jamia Millia Islamia student, says, “there are pros and cons to both sides. At times students go overboard and at times the administration does it. It is good to have student gatherings for their overall grooming and not just churning out bookish nerds.."

Akshay- former student Jamia Millia Islamia, said: “This circular is totally against the campus culture. A university is a place that provides students space to have discussions, explore their options and get exposure. There should be gatherings, study circles, and functions. See, politics is a part of society, it isn’t aloof from the campus. But yes, the extent of politics should always be checked. We cannot have socially unacceptable slogans on campus, this is an unjust use of freedom. Any form of extremism should be avoided, the admin must take action but issuing a general notice is wrong..."

Mufti Ahmed Nader, Chief of Fiqh Academy, New Delhi, said that the regulations applicable to other central universities should also apply to Jamia as well. There should be no discrimination. The University has already disbanded all students' political union activities almost 17 years ago. Now, this circular is being seen as an effort to curb democratic values on the campus.

Awaz The Voice tried to contact the Registrar for further clarification on the notification but he was not available. Sources in the University said apparently the wording in the circular is inappropriate.

The intention perhaps was to reiterate that students must seek permission before carrying out any protest on campus. But it gives an impression that the student's democratic rights are being infringed. Some have also seen the circular as a precautionary move in the wake of Jamia canceling the M.Phil/PhD (Sociology) registration of controversial student Safoora Zargar, who participated in the CAA and NRC protests.

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