Jauhar University Demolition Order Stayed as Protest Widens with Political, Farmer Support

The protest at Mohammad Ali Jauhar University in Rampur, Uttar Pradesh, over the notice to demolish 38 of its 40 buildings has gained significant traction over the past week. What began on July 18 with nearly 50 students sitting on an indefinite strike has now drawn support from Opposition parties, farmer leaders, and social media influencers.

The Moradabad Divisional Commissioner on Monday granted interim relief by staying the demolition order until further notice, providing a temporary reprieve for the university which is run by a trust headed by jailed former Uttar Pradesh minister and Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan.

Leaders from the Samajwadi Party, Congress, and Azad Samaj Party have visited the campus to express solidarity with the students. Over 30 Samajwadi Party MLAs and 10 MPs have also extended support, while the party staged a statewide protest on Monday. Farmer leader Rakesh Tikait and several social media influencers have also voiced their backing.

Congress state president Ajay Rai visited the university on Monday, while former MP Danish Ali had supported the protesters on Sunday. Azad Samaj Party chief and MP Chandra Shekhar Azad warned Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath of large-scale protests if the demolition proceeds. “We will not allow them to spoil the future of 3,000 students. The government’s fight could be with Azam Khan but why take revenge at the cost of the students’ future?” he said.

Protesting students submitted a memorandum to Rampur District Magistrate Ajay Kumar Dwivedi, demanding immediate withdrawal of the demolition notices, reopening of sealed buildings, and assurance that academic activities would not be disrupted. Student leader Shaqib Ali, a second-year LLM student, said the memorandum highlighted the uncertainty created by the action.

Another student, Iqra, alleged that police visited the homes of some protesters and urged their parents to persuade them to end the strike. The students have warned of a larger agitation if their demands are not met.

The university, established in 2006, has been at the centre of controversy due to its association with Azam Khan. The demolition notice was issued by the Rampur Development Authority, citing alleged violations of building norms. The stay order has brought some relief, but the situation remains tense as political and social groups continue to rally behind the students.