Jamia Millia Islamia University (JMI) has recently faced serious allegations following a report by a fact-finding committee, which has raised concerns of discrimination against non-Muslims and coercion for religious conversion within the institution. The report, compiled by the NGO “Call for Justice” and led by distinguished legal and administrative experts, reveals troubling patterns of bias and maltreatment.
Findings of the Fact-Finding Committee
The committee’s report outlines numerous accounts of discrimination directed towards non-Muslim students, faculty, and staff members, highlighting incidents of bias based on religious identity permeating various facets of university life. Testimonies indicate a culture where derogatory behaviors are commonplace; for instance:
- An Assistant Professor reported facing taunts and insults from Muslim colleagues.
- A non-Muslim faculty member from the Scheduled Caste (SC) community experienced unequal treatment, with basic amenities like office furniture being denied, while Muslim counterparts received these facilities without issue.
- An assistant controller of examinations endured public mockery for holding a high-ranking administrative position as a non-Muslim.
The report also points to patterns of harassment faced by tribal students and faculty, creating a hostile environment that has compelled many tribal students to leave the university.
Allegations of Coercion for Religious Conversion
The investigation uncovered troubling allegations that some faculty members exerted pressure on students to convert to Islam. In one reported instance, a professor allegedly informed students that their graduation hinged on converting to Islam, claiming personal advantages would follow.
Jamia Millia Islamia’s Official Response
In response to these allegations, Jamia Millia Islamia University issued a statement affirming its commitment to inclusivity and denouncing any form of discrimination. The current administration recognized past errors in handling such incidents but emphasized ongoing efforts to cultivate an equitable environment under the leadership of Vice-Chancellor Professor Mazhar Asif.
Professor Asif reiterated a strict zero-tolerance policy regarding caste, gender, and religious discrimination. He urged anyone with concrete evidence regarding coercion for religious conversions to come forward, assuring that such claims would be investigated thoroughly.
Additional Allegations of Discrimination by Zee News
Adding to the controversy, Zee News has reported on significant claims involving systematic bias against Hindu students, faculty, and staff at Jamia Millia Islamia. According to these additional allegations reported by the NGO “Call For Justice,” there is purportedly a faction within the university that leverages pressure on Hindus to convert, while resorting to threats of severe consequences—such as violence or academic failure—if they resist.
The NGO’s six-member fact-finding committee comprised notable figures, including retired Delhi High Court judge Shiv Narayan Dhingra and former Delhi Police Commissioner S.N. Srivastava. Their findings included alarming instances where Hindu students and staff faced threats of acid attacks and rape for declining to convert. There were also claims that Hindu students had been intentionally failed in exams as leverage for conversion and that radical Muslim organizations are influencing the campus environment.
The report raised further accusations of “love jihad” and manipulation of admission processes, alleging preferential treatment granted to Hindu SC/ST students and women to alter their religious beliefs. Many Hindu students have reportedly withdrawn from Jamia due to these experiences.
Conclusion and Call for Investigation
The alarming nature of these allegations has ignited public outrage and calls for a thorough investigation into the matter. While Jamia Millia Islamia has expressed its commitment to a safe and inclusive campus, the complexity of these claims underscores a pressing need for transparency in addressing issues of discrimination and coercion within the institution.
