Jamia alumni call for dialogue over students' demand for a union

Jamia alumni and founders' families backed students protesting for an elected union. Their intervention sharpened calls for dialogue amid allegations of campus restrictions and disciplinary action.New Delhi,Oct 26, 2026 18:29 ISTAlumni of Jamia Millia Islamia and family members of the university’s founders on Monday expressed support for students protesting for a student union. At a press conference, they called on the university administration to listen to the students and resolve the issue through dialogue.The press conference was attended by Syeda Hameed, Siddiqur Rahman Kidwai and Samina Mishra. Student representatives Aamir Haider of the Students’ Federation of India (SFI) and Zeeshan of the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) were also present.The speakers raised concerns over reports of disciplinary action against protesting students and allegations of restrictions on campus. They said students should have a platform to raise their concerns and participate in decisions affecting university life.Alumni and founders’ families invoke Jamia’s legacy Syeda Hameed spoke about the vision of Jamia’s founders and their role in shaping the institution. She said Dr. Ansari had envisioned a university for Jamia along the lines of Aligarh, while her father had played an important role in developing the concept of the institution.Referring to figures such as Dr. Zakir Hussain, Dr. Ansari and Dr. Shafi-ur-Rahman Kidwai, Hameed said they would be watching the current developments at the university. She said the students had stepped forward to carry forward the vision of Dr. Zakir Hussain and argued that their demand for a student union was part of that effort.Siddiqur Rahman Kidwai said students from Jamia and Aligarh had historically played an important role in major student movements across the country.Expressing concern over reports that students were facing expulsion for demanding a student union, he said such a body was necessary in an independent India.Former student calls for dialogueSamina Mishra, a former student of Jamia, also expressed support for the protesters. She said the administration needed to create space for dialogue and ensure that students’ concerns were heard.Mishra argued that the current approach to the protests was wrong and stressed that listening to young people was essential to resolving the situation.She said it was the responsibility of the university community to ensure that students could express their views and engage with the administration.Students allege restrictions on campusSanam, a representative of SFI, said the protest was part of a longer struggle for democracy at Jamia. She thanked those who had supported the students and said their support had given the protesters strength.Sanam alleged that conditions on campus had become restrictive, claiming that students were being denied basic facilities, including electricity and water. She also alleged that students’ tents had been dismantled even as the administration approached them for talks.According to Sanam, walls on campus were being plastered over and gates were being welded shut. She questioned why such measures were being taken against students demanding a union.She also alleged that the police were reaching out to students at their homes and that students’ phone numbers and home addresses were being shared between the university administration and the police.Sanam further claimed that students had been asked to sign a document the previous day that did not reflect their views. These allegations were raised by the student representative at the press conference and could not be independently verified from the information available.Demand for a student union remains centralThe demand for a student union has been at the centre of the ongoing protests. Students argue that an elected body would provide them with a formal platform to raise grievances, negotiate with the administration and participate in decisions affecting campus life.The latest developments described by the protesters include the dismantling of tents, alleged restrictions on campus facilities and concerns over possible disciplinary action. Students say these measures have increased tensions between them and the administration.The speakers at the press conference urged the university to engage with the protesters rather than take action against them. They maintained that dialogue was necessary to address the dispute and ensure that students’ voices were heard.The press conference ended with a renewed call for the administration to recognise the students’ demand for representation and create a space for negotiations.- Ends