Jamia students call off strike

Following a day-long hunger strike by Jamia Millia Islamia University students on Wednesday against alleged witch-hunting by the administration, the varsity withdrew the show-cause notice issued to a PhD scholar.

The hungerstrike was the result of a show-cause notice, which was issued by the varsity chief proctor to Imran Khan, PhD student, international relations, for raising issues on civic amenities and giving statements to a media organisation.

“The university has been ill-treating its students for raising their voice. Students are being harassed by stopping of fellowship, barring entry to hostels, refusing to sign research work by faculty and sending show-cause notices and refusing admission,” said Hasiba Amin of NSUI.

However, the hunger strike was called off after the notice was withdrawn. “Your response was examined by the dean of students welfare and the proctorial office and was found to be satisfactory. Hence, the show-cause has been withdrawn,” an official communication sent to the student said.

Khan had spoken to a media organisation highlighting the varsity’s infrastructure problems. “There is a shortage of chairs in the reading room of the library. I have raised the issue thrice, submitting official complaints each time. Also, there’s massive water logging in the campus due to which students were facing problems. Instead of taking action, I was handed over a show-cause notice,” he said.

The notice issued to Imran by chief proctor Mehtab Alam said that he had given a statement regarding a shortage of chairs in the library room. Allegations have been put on Jamia administration that hostel campus is flooded with water and the administration is coolly sleeping, it said.

“Such irresponsible behaviour of yours of giving misleading accounts amounts to unbecoming of a PhD student of Jamia. Take note that your above said unlawful acts are in gross violation of the rules and regulations, and are being viewed seriously by the authorities,” the notice added.