Jamia Millia Islamia University has agreed to hold student union elections and withdrawn show-cause and suspension notices issued to students during their ongoing protest.

However, the agitation has not ended, with two students continuing their protest over the absence of assurances regarding the resignation of the Vice-Chancellor and the Chief Proctor, The Hindu reported.

In a notice issued early on Monday, October 26, the university administration ordered that student union elections be held within 15 days of the approval of the union’s constitution. The administration also announced the formation of an enquiry committee to examine the conduct of security personnel during the protests.

Referring to a demand letter submitted by the students, the notice stated that “the protest shall be called off immediately on issue of this order”.

However, the students have continued their agitation, as the university has not given assurances on their demand for the resignation of the Vice-Chancellor and the Chief Proctor.

The notice also recorded the students’ commitment to issue a public apology for any defamatory statements or actions during the agitation.

“Further the protesting students have submitted that they shall issue public apology through press conference for any defamatory statements/actions/posts made during the protest against the university administration. All such posts shall be taken down from channels on social media with immediate effect. This submission has been taken on record and the same shall be monitored for compliance,” the notice read.

The students have been protesting since October 11, demanding the restoration of the student union after a gap of 20 years, among other demands. Four students had launched an indefinite hunger strike as part of the agitation.

Tensions escalated on Sunday after attempts were reportedly made to forcibly remove the protesters from the campus.

Reports also said that the university authorities suspended classes, disrupted water facilities and restricted movement into and out of the campus. Despite a heavy police deployment, large numbers of students continued to gather in support of the agitation.

While the university’s decision to hold elections and withdraw disciplinary notices marks a significant response to the students’ demands, the continued protest indicates that the confrontation remains unresolved.