Delhi Police detained more than ten students from Jamia Millia Islamia University for protesting against the university's disciplinary action against two PhD scholars. These scholars had been issued show-cause notices for allegedly arranging a demonstration last year, an official stated on Thursday, February 13.

The protest started on Monday, with students condemning the administration's "crackdown on student activism."

The protesting students vandalised university property, including the central canteen, per the university's claim. They also smashed the security advisor's office gate. These incidents forced the administration to take the required steps.

Police sources stated that the university sought their assistance in removing the protesting students to ensure law and order was maintained.

According to a police source, "We removed over 10 students at around 4 am after receiving a request from the university administration. Further, we have deployed heavy police security outside the campus to maintain law and order."

According to another police officer, more than 10 students had been detained based on a statement from the university, and further investigations were in progress.

In its statement, the university mentioned that a small group of students had organised a protest and unlawfully gathered in the academic block since the evening of February 10.

The statement says, "Since then, they have not only disturbed the peaceful conduct of classes but also prevented other students from accessing the Central Library and attending classes at a time when mid-semester exams are about to begin." 

It further read, "They have violated university rules and were found carrying objectionable contraband items. The University administration, taking a strong view of the damage to university property, defacement of walls and obstruction of classes, has taken preventive measures to ensure academic activities continue as normal ".

The university administration claimed that although they offered to address the students' demands through a committee, they allegedly declined to engage in discussions with the administration, including the Supervisor, Head, and Dean.

"Taking preventive measures, this morning, the university administration and the proctorial team removed the students from the protest site, evicting them from the campus. The police have been requested to maintain law and order," the statement counted.

Student leader Sonakshi informed PTI that the protesters have four main demands. They are calling for the withdrawal of show-cause notices issued to two PhD students, the cancellation of the 2022 Office Memorandum that limits protests on campus, the removal of the ₹50,000 fine imposed for graffiti and posters, and a guarantee that no disciplinary action will be taken against students for participating in future protests.

The disciplinary committee is scheduled to convene on February 25 to assess the involvement of two PhD students in organising "Jamia Resistance Day" on December 15, 2024, an annual event commemorating the 2019 protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA).