Chants of slogans continue to roar around Mohammad Ali Jauhar University as student protests against the Rampur Development Authority’s order to demolish 38 of its 40 buildings enter the 10th day. The demolition order was issued by the RDA vice chairperson and Rampur district magistrate Ajay Kumar under Section 27 of the Uttar Pradesh Urban Planning and Development Act, 1973.
The motive of the protest as described by the demonstrators is to “save their institution” and “protect their education.” The demonstrators, who are the majority of the students of the university, believe that the demolition action would lead to the tampering of their academic career and their future in large, creating a wave of apprehension in them.
“Because of this order, we students are under considerable mental stress, and our studies are suffering,” a demonstrator told FoEJ Media.
The demonstrators in light of the order have put forth three demands to the authorities: withdrawal of the demolition order, cooperation in completing the due process, and unsealing the buildings that are sealed, the FoEJ Media has learned.
They further claim that “If our demands are not fulfilled, we may resort to a hunger strike.”
“This is not the first time our education at the university has been disrupted. Every admission season, some issue arises—sometimes a minor one, sometimes a major one,” a demonstrator said.
“Like in 2019, when the library was raided and there was widespread vandalism. All of this can’t just be a coincidence, can it?” they questioned.
In 2019, the police and district administration raided the Mohammad Ali Jauhar University’s Mumtaz Central Library following a formal complaint and FIR lodged by the 250-year-old Madrasa Aliya (Raza Oriental College). The complaint alleged that priceless ancient manuscripts and books had been forcibly removed and stashed at the university under the instruction of its founder and chancellor, senior Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan.
“All of this happens because this is a minority university where underprivileged students study,” a demonstrator said.
Following the order a petition has also been filed by the administration seeking the withdrawal of the demolition notice and adherence to the demands of the demonstrators. The hearing of the petition is scheduled on Tuesday, the demonstrators told FoEJ Media.
“We have been told orally that the decision will be in our favor, but we will not end our sit-in protest until we receive a written assurance,” they said.
Mualana Mohammad Ali Jauhar University was founded in 2006 by the Mualana Mohammad Ali Jauhar Trust, which is led by Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan. Named after the prominent freedom fighter Maulana Mohammad Ali Jauhar, the university received official university status through a 2012 state legislative act and minority status in 2013.
The university provides a comprehensive higher education experience on a vast campus extending across more than 250 acres. With a distinguished faculty of approximately 90 professors and instructors, the institution delivers academic programs across 24 diverse disciplines, spanning areas such as engineering, medicine, law, and the humanities.
However, the university has been in the discourse for several legal disputes over the past few years, which include allegations related to land acquisition and ownership. The fresh demolition drive has reignited the air around the university, with several political figures taking a jab at the order.
PDP president Mehbooba Mufti on Sunday hit out at the Uttar Pradesh government and said, “”Destroying an institution of learning like Jauhar University displays nothing but hatred and vengeance.”
“Yogi should take a lesson from Jantar Mantar and see how the youth of this country are rejecting the politics of hate and division. Stand with the protesting students,” she added.
AIMIM president and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owais described the proposed demolition as an attack on Muslim education. “If you want to dismantle the university, it means you do not want Muslims to be educated. It is a direct attack on education,” he said.
Addressing students outside the university, SP MP Iqra Hasan said, “I assure the people of Rampur and Azam Khan that Jauhar University will not be allowed to fall. If needed, we will stand in front of every brick, but we will not let anything happen to it.”
SP MP Javed Ali said, “We have asked the Rampur Development Authority (RDA) to withdraw its notice, which claims that 38 out of 40 buildings on the campus were constructed illegally. We have also resolved to support the students at every level.In a post on X, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav described the university as a “temple of education.”
Meanwhile, Nagina MP and Bhim Army chief Chandra Shekhar Azad described the move as “communal politics.”
“The order for bulldozer action against Jauhar University is the height of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s communal politics. The most worrying aspect is that even after repeated rebukes from the honorable Supreme Court on bulldozer actions, the Uttar Pradesh government is not desisting from such measures,” he said.
Earlier this month, the political row also snowballed when Rampur MP Maulana Mohibulla Nadvi arrived at the university but was stopped by the security personnel at the main gate.
Speaking to the media, he said, “The university is meant to educate children from all religions. If any mistakes were made during its establishment or operation, they should be given an opportunity to rectify them. The demolition order is wrong.”
Meanwhile, the administration notice issued on July 20, which directs the students, staff, and visitors to adhere to the restrictions imposed under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) in Rampur and adjoining areas, continues to prevail. The notice accessed by FoEJ Media read, “All students, employees, and visitors are hereby informed that the District Police have imposed Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) in Rampur and the surrounding areas.”
“Accordingly, all persons coming to the university for the purpose of any demonstration are directed to remain at the designated location. Gathering in groups, obstructing roads, or creating crowds is strictly prohibited,” it adds.
“Violation of Section 163 of the BNSS is a punishable offense. Strict action will be taken by the university administration and the police against anyone found violating these directions,” the notice states.
