Karachi, Student organizations across New Delhi observed the fourth anniversary of the controversial police action at Jamia Millia Islamia University, which occurred during the protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019 (CAA) and National Register of Citizens (NRC) on 15 December 2019. The day was marked by mass protests, commemorating the incident that involved police firing, lathi charge, and an attack on the university’s library.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the protesting students voiced their grief and anger against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government’s policies. They called for the release of fellow students still imprisoned on what they claim are fabricated charges. The protests showcased a strong sense of unity, with participants marching with flags and placards, demanding justice for the victims of the anti-CAA and NRC protests.
The commemoration also included a candlelit vigil in memory of those affected by the protests. Students read aloud excerpts from Human Rights reports to highlight the alleged atrocities committed by the BJP government during the CAA-NRC protests. Images of injured students were displayed, emphasizing the severity of the incident.
The event began with the distribution of banners and pamphlets in multiple languages, detailing the incident and its aftermath. The students’ rally, accompanied by slogans against the Delhi Police, also expressed solidarity with Palestine, condemning the situation in Gaza.
Al-Fuz Azmi, a student leader, addressed the gathering, asserting that the BJP government’s attempts to quell dissent would not intimidate the students of Jamia, known for their history of resisting oppression. Sushmita Agarwal highlighted the irony of the police’s role in the 2019 incident, criticizing the discrimination faced by JMI students.
Swetha Sharma, another student, denounced the government’s suppression of human rights advocacy. Salman Raghib raised concerns over the crackdown on human rights campaigners and the growing Islamophobia in India, calling for an end to hatred.
The 2019 incident at Jamia Millia Islamia University, where police reportedly attacked and detained students, causing extensive damage to the campus, remains a point of contention. Despite calls from Human Rights Watch for an investigation, the students continue to seek justice and accountability for the events of that day.