‘How dare you threaten students?’: Jamia, JNU face backlash over protest advisories
Major universities in Delhi, including JNU and Jamia, have issued advisories warning students against participating in protests. Opposition leaders have criticized these moves as threats to democratic expression and student rights.
Why it matters
The tension between university administration and student activism highlights ongoing debates regarding academic freedom and civil liberties in India.
A day after Delhi University (DU) issued a similar advisory, Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) and Jamia Millia Islamia issued advisories asking students to “refrain from participating” in gatherings in and around Jantar Mantar, adding that violations may invite legal consequences as well as disciplinary action.
The advisories drew sharp criticism from Opposition leaders, who said they would have a “chilling effect on democratic speech and expression”.
In its advisory, JNU stated: “Please exercise responsibility on social media. Violations may invite legal consequences under applicable laws as well as disciplinary action under the University’s code of conduct.”
By evening, Jamia also issued an advisory on social media, stating that students worked hard and travelled from across the country to study at the university. It added: “Nothing is worth placing at risk a future nurtured through such hard work, dedication and sacrifice.”
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