Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) university administration has set a deadline of 15 May 2027 to complete the drafting, approval, and implementation of the student union constitution. This decision led to an agreement between student representatives and the university, ending an 18-day hunger strike by students demanding the restoration of their union.
Key developments in the hunger strike
The hunger strike, led by students Abin Basil and Rehan Ghani, began as a demand for reinstating the student union. On the 18th day, the students reached a consensus with the administration. Following the official notice acknowledging their demands, the students called off their hunger strike, which was met with celebrations on campus.
Students expressed gratitude towards the registrar and university staff for their role in facilitating the agreement. One student stated the decision to end the strike was based on the administration’s acceptance of their demands and progress made towards reviving the student union.
Role of mediation and university’s plan
Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) Rajya Sabha MP Harris Biron acted as mediator. After meetings with the university’s vice-chancellor and the student delegation, Biron returned to the vice-chancellor’s office to formally announce the agreement. Following the official release of a statement and notification, the hunger strike concluded. The registrar and Harris Biron then symbolically ended the strike by offering coconut water to the fasting students.
Registrar Mahtab Alam detailed the students’ three written demands, highlighting the major request to prepare a draft student union constitution by 15 May 2027. Additionally, the students requested elections following the recommendations of the Lingdoh Committee after the constitution’s drafting. The administration agreed to this timeline and clarified that the constitution committee would include not only professors and legal experts but also student representatives from each faculty.
The registrar emphasized that involving students directly in drafting the constitution ensures their views are properly considered. The university administration has acknowledged and accepted the student representatives’ demands, deciding to proceed accordingly.
Following the agreement on the student union demands, the administration shared plans to restart offline classes after the Diwali holidays. The registrar stated that while online classes had been conducted, efforts would now focus on resuming campus-based learning.
According to the registrar, holidays last until 8 November, and students who have left campus are requested to return by then. Offline classes will begin as soon as students are back, reflecting the university’s intent to normalize academic activities while progressing on the student union issue.
