Jamia gates damaged in overnight vandalism claim as 17-day union protest escalates
By TUF News Desk · Published 28 October 2026 · 4 min read
Fact-checked against 2+ independent sources · Editorial policy
A night of alleged vandalism has pushed the Jamia Millia Islamia standoff into sharper focus. The university said on October 28 that a group of people entered the campus overnight and damaged gates and other property near the entry points, as a protest demanding the restoration of the students’ union entered its 17th day.
A university official told The Indian Express that some of those who entered were masked and some carried lathis. Gate 4C was completely damaged, the official said, as was the gate near the central mosque. The university shared videos which it said showed people gathered near the gates and climbing over them.
A university statement reported by IANS said groups of protesting students and local residents vandalised gates and walls, brought down Gate 4C, pelted stones, and damaged the CCTV control room and cameras. The statement also said female faculty members, wardens and the provost faced threats when they tried to reason with female protesters. Delhi Police said no formal complaint had been filed in connection with the alleged vandalism at the time of reporting.
Heavy security around the campus
More than 15 police buses and riot-control vehicles were stationed outside the university on October 28, according to The Indian Express, and security personnel carried tear gas shells. Loudspeaker announcements asked people not to come out in groups, as prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita were in force.
PTI reported that paramilitary forces and riot police had been stationed outside Gate Number 7 for three days. Inside, near the statue of Mirza Ghalib, students continued their sit-in, while journalists reported from beyond the railings at the campus boundary.
Protesting students rejected the vandalism charge. A PhD student who organises the protest told The Indian Express that the administration had sealed the gates, cut water and electricity, closed washrooms and blocked food from reaching protesters. “We don’t condone violence and have been protesting peacefully since day one,” the student said.
Why the protest has not ended
The agitation began on October 12. Students want an elected union restored, a fixed election date, and action on their other grievances. On October 26, the university announced that elections would be held 15 days after the union’s constitution is approved, and it revoked suspension and show-cause notices issued during the protest. A committee has been formed to draft the constitution, with a submission deadline of December 20.
Students rejected the order as vague: it still names no date for approving the constitution, so there is still no fixed election date. On October 27, the university issued a final notice asking protesters to vacate the Gulistan-e-Ghalib building and Ghalib Lawn immediately, warning of disciplinary and legal action.
What changes for students right now
Classes at Jamia Millia Islamia remain online until November 8, and the second mid-term examinations are being held online as well. Campus entry is restricted to identity card holders.
Students can follow further orders on the official JMI notices page. Jamia Millia Islamia is a central university in New Delhi; students comparing institution types can read how central, state and private universities differ.
Union Education Minister Pralhad Joshi said on October 28 that negotiations were continuing: “Many efforts have been made. There have been no elections since 2006, for more than a decade. Negotiations are underway. Nobody should try to create a law-and-order problem. That is my appeal. The authorities concerned, including the Vice-Chancellor, are looking into the remaining issues.”
Frequently asked questions
What did Jamia Millia Islamia allege happened on campus overnight?
The university alleged that masked people, some carrying lathis, entered the campus overnight and damaged gates, with Gate 4C completely damaged.
How long has the Jamia students’ union protest been going on?
The protest began on October 12, 2026, and entered its 17th day on October 28. Students want the union restored; it has not held an election since its disbandment in 2006.
Are Jamia classes running normally during the protest?
No. Classes are online until November 8, mid-term examinations are online, campus entry is restricted, and Section 163 prohibitory orders are in force around the campus.
What has the Union Education Minister said about the Jamia protest?
On October 28, Union Education Minister Pralhad Joshi said negotiations were underway and appealed to protesting students not to create a law-and-order problem on campus.
Frequently asked questions
What did Jamia Millia Islamia allege happened on campus overnight?
The university alleged that a group of people, some masked and some carrying lathis, entered the campus overnight and damaged gates and other property. It said Gate 4C was completely damaged and the gate near the central mosque was also damaged.
How long has the Jamia students' union protest been going on?
The protest began on October 12, 2026, and entered its 17th day on October 28. Students are demanding the restoration of the students' union, which has not held an election since it was disbanded in 2006.
Are Jamia classes running normally during the protest?
No. The university has moved classes online until November 8, and second mid-term examinations are also being held online. Campus entry is restricted, and prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita are in force around the campus.
What has the Union Education Minister said about the Jamia protest?
On October 28, Union Education Minister Pralhad Joshi said negotiations were underway and appealed to protesting students not to create a law-and-order problem on campus.
Sources: The Indian Express, Lokmat Times (PTI), The Logical Indian