New Delhi, October 23, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Congress MP Imran Masood and Samajwadi Party MP Mohibbullah Nadvi were detained by Delhi Police on Friday while attempting to meet students protesting at Jamia Millia Islamia, where an agitation is underway demanding the restoration of the elected students’ union and an announcement of the election schedule.
The protest began on October 12, with students launching an indefinite hunger strike to demand the restoration of the Jamia Millia Islamia Students’ Union (JMISU), withdrawal of disciplinary action against protesters and notification of elections for the 2026-27 academic session.
Jamia has been without an elected students’ union since 2006, with the last elections held in 2005. Students have also raised concerns over attendance policies, academic facilities, hostel conditions, scholarships and research stipends.
Masood, who visited the campus to express solidarity with the protesters, said their demand for an elected union was justified. He questioned why the university administration was yet to restore student representation and alleged that disciplinary action against protesters was undermining their rights.
Addressing the controversy over slogans, including “Free Kashmir” and “Free Sharjeel Imam”, reportedly found written on campus walls, Masood categorically rejected calls for India’s division.
“We do not support any slogan that talks about breaking up India. Kashmir is an integral part of India and will always remain so,” he said, alleging that the controversy was being used to derail the students’ agitation.
Nadvi, a Jamia alumnus, also expressed support for the protesters. He alleged that police detained him while he was on his way to meet the students and was subsequently released.
Separately, CPI(M) MP John Brittas wrote to Union Education Minister Pralhad Joshi on October 21, raising concerns over the absence of an elected students’ union for nearly two decades. He referred to constitutional protections for freedom of speech and association, University Grants Commission guidelines and the Lyngdoh Committee recommendations on student elections.
Hunger-striking student Jasim Ali rejected allegations linking protesters to the controversial slogans and accused the university administration of allowing elements to disrupt their peaceful agitation. He reiterated that the students’ primary demands were restoration of the union and announcement of an election schedule.
The university administration has condemned the slogans and begun removing the writing from campus walls while attempting to identify those responsible. An official said strict action would be taken against those involved and alleged that CCTV cameras in some affected areas had been tampered with or damaged.
The dispute remains unresolved, with the administration having initiated a process to draft a student-union constitution and promised a review of disciplinary action. Protesters, however, maintain that these steps cannot replace an immediate notification announcing elections.
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