Jamia Millia Islamia has shifted classes online as a precautionary measure amid ongoing student protests demanding the restoration of the students’ union. The move comes after videos surfaced online showing clashes between students and university security guards, with posters reading “Free Kashmir” and “Free Sharjeel Imam”.

Congress MP Imran Masood, who was detained briefly on Friday for supporting the protesters, distanced himself from slogans calling for India's division.

"We will not support those who talk about breaking up India under any circumstances. Kashmir is an integral part of India and will always remain so," he told reporters.

The BJP questioned Masood’s presence on campus, pointing to slogans demanding Kashmir’s separation from India and the release of Sharjeel Imam. BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad also criticised the Congress, asking, "Does the Congress party endorse the demand, boldly written at Jamia Millia Islamia, to separate Kashmir from India? What is the Congress party’s stand on Sharjeel Imam?"

In its notification, the university directed deans, heads, directors, faculty members and students to follow the online class schedule and continue academic activities. It asked faculty members to arrange online classes and provide students with the necessary learning materials and academic support.

The protests began on October 12, with students demanding an official notification announcing a schedule for students’ union elections. Jamia last held the elections in 2005 and dissolved the union in 2006. Protesters say their main demand is restoration of an elected student body. The university administration has formed a committee to draft a new constitution for the union.

Tensions escalated on October 17 when authorities attempted to remove demonstrators from the Ghalib lawn near Gate No. 7. Several student organisations have since extended support to the agitation.

The administration has condemned “VC go back” slogans written on campus walls and said it is trying to identify those responsible. Officials also reported that some CCTV cameras had been tampered with, while their wiring had been disconnected or damaged in areas where the slogans appeared.

The university has tightened security across the campus. Security personnel are checking students before allowing them to enter departments and centres.

The appearance of controversial slogans referring to Kashmir and the RSS has also sparked outrage among students. The administration removed the slogans and ordered an investigation into the incident.