Amid stir, Delhi's Jamia builds wall in front of gate; university denies connection

NEW DELHI: The Jamia Millia Islamia administration has begun constructing a wall in front of Gate No. 10, near the Ibn Sina Library, amid an ongoing hunger strike by students demanding campus union elections.The move has drawn criticism from the protesters, who alleged that the construction was aimed at curbing access to the protest site.The protesters alleged that the administration was building barriers instead of engaging in dialogue with the students.Students said that Gate No. 10 is from where protesters enter the campus and to reach the protest spot on Ghalib Lawn. The protesters also allegedly secured the gate with their own lock to retain access to the area.The students were earlier removed from Gate No. 7, where the protest had begun.A university spokesperson denied that the construction had any connection with the ongoing agitation. Speaking to TOI on condition of anonymity, the spokesperson said the wall was being built for security as part of the university’s annual security upgrade exercise. “It was a routine affair”.The development comes as the students’ hunger strike entered its 12th day Friday. The protesters have been demanding students’ union elections and the revocation of disciplinary action against students participating in the hunger strike. A university committee is examining their demands.Delhi Police, meanwhile, detained two MPs, Maulana Mohibullah Nadvi and Imran Masood, outside the university.You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Delhi | Silver Rate in Delhi | Bank Holidays in Delhi | Public Holidays in Delhi | Delhi AQI | Weather in Delhi | Petrol Price in Delhi | Diesel Price in Delhi | CNG Price in Delhi | LPG Price in DelhiStay updated with the latest Delhi news. Download the TOI App.