5th Anniversary of the Brutal Attack on Jamia Millia Islamia: A Reflection on Authoritarianism and Student Struggles

As we mark the fifth anniversary of this attack, it is essential to reflect on the ongoing issues faced by the students of Jamia, particularly in light of the events that transpired on December 15th, 2024. On this day, the administration of Jamia Millia Islamia issued a notice stating that the campus would remain closed for maintenance, citing the closure of libraries and canteens starting at 1 PM. This notice came on the eve of the anniversary of the brutal attack, raising concerns that the university was taking deliberate steps to stifle student commemoration of the tragic events. What followed was not just an administrative decision, but a symbol of the continuing authoritarian tendencies that plague the university, the administration’s disregard for student welfare, and the troubling alliance between the institution and state apparatuses that seek to suppress dissent.

The Brutality of December 15, 2019

The events of December 15, 2019, are etched in the memories of Jamia’s students and alumni, as well as in the minds of many across the country. The protests against the CAA and NRC were part of a larger movement that had spread across India, with students at the forefront of challenging a law that they believed to be discriminatory. The peaceful protests at Jamia were part of this nationwide resistance. However, on that fateful day, the Delhi Police entered the campus in a highly aggressive manner. The violence was unprovoked and indiscriminate. Students in the university library, in hostels, and various corners of the campus were attacked, with many suffering severe injuries. Some students even lost their eyesight, and countless others were traumatized.

The police entered the campus despite the university's autonomy and although no prior permission had been sought. The attack was not only physical but symbolic—targeting the very essence of what universities represent: spaces for dialogue, dissent, and the exchange of ideas. The brutality was a direct assault on the democratic spirit of Jamia and, by extension, on the freedoms guaranteed under the Indian Constitution.

The images of students being beaten, injured, and detained in the aftermath of the attack were widely circulated, sparking outrage across India and internationally. However, the response from the state apparatus, including the Delhi Police and the central government, was marked by indifference. The attack was not investigated adequately, and the students who had been victims of violence were further victimized by the system’s inability to ensure accountability. As time passed, the administration distanced itself from the events, offering little more than superficial condolences.

The 5th Anniversary: A Renewed Struggle

On December 15, 2024, the anniversary of this brutal attack, student organizations came together once again to remember that dark day and reaffirm their commitment to resisting authoritarianism and upholding democratic values. However, their efforts were thwarted by an administration that appeared determined to suppress any form of dissent.

The administration's decision to issue a notice closing down the campus for maintenance on the very day of the anniversary was viewed by many as a deliberate move to prevent students from marking the day in any meaningful way. The notice stated that the library and canteens would be closed from 1 PM, effectively shutting down key areas where students typically gather for study and academic work. The campus, which already faces challenges in terms of infrastructure and space, was rendered inaccessible at a time when students were preparing for important examinations scheduled for the following day.

This decision, coming on the heels of the anniversary of the attack, was not just an administrative move—it was a calculated effort to undermine the students’ voices, suppress their memories, and prevent them from exercising their right to protest and commemorate. The administration's actions reflected a deeper issue within India’s educational institutions: the increasing tendency of university administrations to align themselves with state authorities, often at the expense of student welfare and academic freedom.

The Students' Protest

In response to the administration’s decision, the students of Jamia mobilized once again, demanding either the postponement of the upcoming exams or the opening of the campus for academic purposes. The students argued that many of them do not have access to private spaces where they could adequately prepare for their exams, as they live in cramped conditions, often sharing flats with several others. Hostels are often overcrowded, and students are forced to seek accommodation off-campus, where space for studying is limited.

The students’ demand was simple and reasonable: allow them access to the campus so they could prepare for their exams in a conducive environment. However, instead of engaging with the students' concerns, the administration responded with stubbornness, dismissing their demands without offering any viable solutions. The response from the administration was a clear display of its authoritarian tendencies—an unwillingness to listen to students’ legitimate concerns and a preference for maintaining control rather than fostering an environment of dialogue and engagement.

The situation escalated when students gathered at the gates of the university to protest the closure. They peacefully waited for a resolution to their concerns, but their protest was met with an overwhelming show of force by the Delhi Police. Riot control patrols arrived, ready to disperse the students who were simply demanding their right to study. The students were subjected to further intimidation and harassment, highlighting the deepening disconnect between the student body and the administration, as well as the state apparatus.

Authoritarianism and the Role of the Administration

The events of December 15, 2024, are indicative of a larger pattern of authoritarian behavior by both the university administration and the Delhi Police. Universities, which are supposed to be spaces for critical thinking, dissent, and academic freedom, have increasingly become sites of repression. The actions taken by the Jamia administration on this particular day suggest that the institution has chosen to prioritize state interests over the needs and rights of its own students.

The question that arises is: Who does the administration serve? Is it working in the best interest of its students, or is it aligning itself with external political pressures that seek to silence dissent? The administration’s failure to address the students’ concerns, coupled with its willingness to shut down the campus and allow the police to suppress student protests, points to a disturbing trend in Indian higher education institutions. In many cases, administrations are not simply neutral bodies but active participants in maintaining a status quo that is increasingly hostile to student activism.

The Larger Implications

The events at Jamia are not an isolated incident. They are part of a broader pattern seen across India, where students, particularly those from marginalized communities, have been subjected to increasing surveillance, repression, and violence for standing up for their rights. The crackdown on student protests, the curbing of academic freedoms, and the erosion of democratic values within educational institutions signal a troubling shift in the governance of higher education.

The response from the government and university administrations is indicative of a wider effort to control not just the political discourse in the country but also the spaces where such discourse is nurtured. Universities have long been hotbeds of activism and critical thought. However, the increasing militarization of campuses and the rise of authoritarian governance threaten to stifle the very essence of what universities stand for.

Conclusion

As we reflect on the fifth anniversary of the brutal attack on Jamia Millia Islamia, it is clear that the struggles of the university’s students are far from over. The events of December 15, 2024, serve as a stark reminder of the authoritarian forces at play within India’s educational system. The treatment of students, who are simply seeking access to their campus for academic purposes, underscores the growing disconnect between students and the institutions meant to serve them.

The fight for justice, academic freedom, and democratic rights continues. We mustn't forget the sacrifices made by the students of Jamia Millia Islamia on that fateful day in 2019. It is equally important that we stand in solidarity with them as they continue their struggle against a system that seeks to deny them their basic rights. In remembering the brutality of December 15, 2019, we reaffirm our commitment to a future where students can express their views freely, where educational institutions serve their communities, and where democracy is upheld at every level.

The reinstatement of the Jamia Students' Union could serve as a crucial step toward addressing the disconnect between students and the university administration. A democratically elected union would empower students to collectively voice their concerns, act as a bridge between the student community and the administration, and ensure their grievances are addressed in a structured and meaningful manner. However, this remains an elusive goal.

The absence of a students' union reflects broader systemic challenges within the university, tied to the sociopolitical climate of the country. The reluctance to allow such a platform stems from a fear of empowering leaders who might challenge the prevailing narrative, particularly those from marginalized or minority backgrounds. In the current climate, where dissent is increasingly equated with disloyalty, restoring the students’ union is not just a dream deferred but a critical battleground for safeguarding democratic values within educational spaces. Without such representation, students are left without a legitimate channel to negotiate their rights, leaving the administration unchecked and further emboldened to align with external forces.

The fight to revive the Jamia Students' Union is, therefore, not just about campus politics; it is a call to reclaim the democratic ethos of Indian universities and ensure that every student, regardless of background, has a voice in shaping their future.

Amir Hyder Khan is a student pursuing B.Arch from Jamia Millia Islamia.

Edited by- Sana Faiz

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the author. They do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of The Jamia Review or its members.