Now is the right time to show solidarity with Jamia students
AI GENRETED
The administration, which should be the guardian of students, seems to be infringing on their rights and freedoms.
Yes, songs of the era of oppression will be sung.
This scene seems to repeat the time of the CAA-NRC protests. During that period, Jamia Millia Islamia, an institution with a rich legacy of intellectual discourse among scholars, does not appear to be in the mood to heed the students' legitimate demand for the restoration of the student union. Students faced police brutality. Many suffered physical injuries and, more importantly, they endured mental trauma from the government and administration. The administration, which should have been a guardian to the students, seems to be stripping away their rights and freedoms. So far, the outcome of discussions has been that the university administration has decided to conduct online classes until mid-January.
Students have demanded an investigation into police brutality and the cancellation of show-cause notices issued to two students, Ibinn Basil and Jasam Khan. However, the administration has not taken any concrete steps and has mentioned forming a committee to investigate the matter within fifteen days.
The use of physical violence by the university administration and the state is an attempt to suppress any intellectual voice among students, indicative of a fascist regime. Institutions like Jawaharlal Nehru University, Jamia Millia Islamia, Aligarh Muslim University, and even Jadavpur University in Bengal have been targeted to further such intentions. The aim of the state machinery is to instill fear among thoughtful students in these institutions, where they receive education at low costs and can pose serious questions to those in power. This tendency to ask questions disturbs a regime with fascist inclinations.
Students from these institutions have consistently led protests. They remind us of the spring of 1968 in France and the rebellious youth of that era. It is not always the most powerful who win; often, those who resist until their last breath prevail, even if the enemy seems invincible for a time. These students have faced actions such as harsh imprisonment and even suspension, but they have refused to bend.
These student organizations are also part of the voices questioning the role of the Election Commission of India, established to ensure fair elections and counter allegations of vote theft by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party. This issue has emerged in light of statements made by two current election commissioners against the Chief Election Commissioner and a report by The Indian Express report.
In view of security, Section 163 of the Indian Citizen Security Code (BNSS) has been implemented in the university campus and surrounding areas. This was previously known as Section 144 of the CrPC. Under this, gatherings of four or more people can be prohibited.
If this were an ideal world, all organizations, including student organizations and pressure groups from civil society, would come together, set aside their differences, demand the Prime Minister's resignation, and call for an investigation into the Bharatiya Janata Party's parent organization, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). Some individuals associated with these organizations attempt to create chaos at protest sites, divert the legitimate demands of protestors, and take control of the movement. The roles of the police and judiciary in such matters should also be thoroughly examined to determine whether they are becoming complicit in the actions of this illegal and unjust government.
In the words of our first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, the time has come for us to fulfill the promise we made to destiny. We cannot sit idly by and watch students and civil society become victims of the harsh powers of the state machinery.
Events like Lula's victory in Brazil and the fall of the government in Serbia should inspire students, intellectuals, and those imprisoned around the world who are struggling. These individuals have raised their voices against the massacre in Palestine, the illegal and immoral bombings in Iran and Lebanon, and the war crimes committed by the Israeli and American states. There should remain hope that challenging the power of the state is not impossible. It is time to invoke Haider's name and seize Zulfiqar. We must not leave the students of Jamia Millia Islamia alone, as they have raised their voices for the victims of imperialist powers and feudal elites worldwide.
Neither a companion, nor will it emerge from any companion
The thorn in our foot will emerge from us.
Author - Varunkant Sharma
The author has been practicing law at the Rajasthan High Court since 2018.