Delhi Police on Friday detained ten people, including Congress MP Imran Masood, near Jamia Millia Islamia amid an ongoing student protest for restoration of the university's elected students' union, officials said, according to PTI. IANS reported that Samajwadi Party MP Mohibbullah Nadvi was also detained while the two MPs were attempting to meet the protesting students.

Source: PTI via The Daily Jagran

The agitation began on October 12 with an indefinite hunger strike. Its demands centre on restoration of the Jamia Millia Islamia Students' Union (JMISU), an official notification announcing the election schedule for the 2026-27 academic session, and withdrawal of disciplinary action against protesters. The union was dissolved in 2006, and the last elections were held in 2005. Protesters have also raised concerns about academic facilities, attendance policies, hostel conditions, scholarships and research stipends.

Source: IANS via The Freedom Press

Nadvi, the Rampur MP and a Jamia alumnus, alleged — as an allegation — that police pushed and manhandled him before detaining him as he raised his voice for the students' rights; he was later released, Maktoob Media reported, citing PTI. Masood, who joined the students in support, asked why the university had not restored the union: “The students' demands are justified. Why is the student union not being reinstated? These students are the future of the country.”

Source: Maktoob Media

What is solid

  • Ten people including Congress MP Imran Masood were detained near Jamia on Friday, officials told PTI; IANS reported SP MP Mohibbullah Nadvi was also detained and later released
  • The student protest began on October 12 and demands restoration of the students' union — dissolved in 2006, last elected in 2005 — with an official election-schedule notification
  • Jamia has constituted a seven-member high-level committee to engage with the protesting students and examine their demands

What is only claimed

  • Nadvi's allegation that police pushed and manhandled him before detaining him
  • Who wrote the slogans reportedly found on campus walls, and Masood's statement that no 'free Kashmir' slogans were raised at the protest

The controversy widened after slogans including “Free Kashmir” and “Free Sharjeel Imam” were reportedly found written on campus walls. Masood told ANI that no slogans calling for a free Kashmir were raised at the protest, that he strongly condemned such slogans, and that Kashmir is an integral part of India. He said those putting up such posters were trying to undermine the movement and had nothing to do with the student protests, and that police should take strict action against them.

Source: ANI via LatestLY

Jamia Millia Islamia has constituted a seven-member high-level committee to engage with the protesting students, examine their demands and take steps to restore normalcy on campus, ANI reported. Maktoob Media reported that protesting students maintain their primary demand is an official notification announcing the election schedule, rather than only a committee to draft a new constitution for the union.