Students of Jamia Millia Islamia in Delhi staged a protest on Wednesday against the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) centenary event being held on the campus. The students alleged that they were manhandled by the organisers of the event, triggering a confrontation that drew the attention of the university administration.
Protest and Allegations
The protest, which saw a significant number of students gathering near the venue, was marked by sloganeering and demands for the cancellation of the RSS event. According to student leaders, the organisers used force to disperse them, leading to minor injuries among some participants. "We were peacefully demonstrating when the RSS volunteers pushed us and used abusive language. This is an attack on democratic dissent," said a student spokesperson.
University Response
In response to the incident, Jamia Millia Islamia Vice-Chancellor Najma Akhtar ordered a high-level inquiry into the matter. The university has also issued a statement urging calm and assuring that strict action will be taken against anyone found guilty of misconduct. "The university is committed to maintaining peace and discipline. We have directed the security department to submit a detailed report at the earliest," the statement read.
RSS Event Controversy
The RSS centenary event, which began on Monday, has been a subject of controversy since its announcement. Critics argue that the ideological organisation should not be allowed to hold events on a university campus, citing its divisive agenda. However, RSS leaders maintain that they have the right to organise events and that the protest is politically motivated.
Meanwhile, security has been tightened on the campus, with additional police personnel deployed to prevent any further escalation. The university has also extended the deadline for submission of assignments and exams to ease tensions among students.
The incident has sparked a debate on free speech and the presence of political organisations on educational campuses. While some student groups support the protest, others have called for dialogue to resolve the issue amicably.
As the inquiry proceeds, the university administration has appealed to all stakeholders to maintain decorum and avoid any actions that could disrupt the academic environment.
