Jamia Holds ‘Anti-Terrorism Pledge’ At Behest Of MHA, Called Out For Islamophobia

Jamia Millia Islamia held a virtual event called ‘Anti-Terrorism Pledge’ on the occasion of ‘Anti-Terrorism Day’ on 21 May. The University reportedly forwarded a circular by the Union Ministry of Education that instructed an anti-terrorism pledge-taking ceremony for government officers, staff. It also included subordinate/ attached/ autonomous bodies under their administrative control.

Reportedly, class representatives from several departments, including the Department of English and the Faculty of Law, were asked to join the virtual event and pledge against terrorism.

All India Students Association (AISA) condemned the act terming it as a display of Islamophobia from the Ministry of Home Affairs.

The organization in a press statement and said, “Singling out a minority institution for an anti-terrorism pledge is highly questionable and incredibly problematic”.

Raising the question on the credibility of the institution regarding the act the organization asked, “Is there any reason apart from Islamophobia due to which students as young as 17 are expected to come to an online meeting to establish that they are not terrorists?”

The pledge says, “We, the people of India, have abiding faith in our country’s tradition of non-violence and tolerance, hereby solemnly affirm to oppose with our strength, all forms of terrorism and violence. We pledge to uphold and promote peace, social harmony, and understanding among all fellow human beings and fight the forces of disruption threatening human lives.”

AISA condemned the event saying that it is Jamia students who were subjected to police brutality on 15 December 2019 and on several other occasions as well but today, they are being expected to clarify that they are not terrorists.

Such an event is equivalent to spitting in the face of thousands of students who have already been traumatized by the events that have transpired in the university in the last two years, AISA said.