“Free Kashmir”, “Free Sharjeel Imam”, “Death to RSS” and “Death to ABVP” were found spray-painted on the walls of Jamia Millia Islamia University in Delhi on Friday, 23rd October. The slogans have drawn attention amid an ongoing student agitation on campus. Other slogans spotted on campus included ‘RSS Go Back’ and ‘Down With RSS’. The identity of those who wrote them remains unknown, and no clear information is available on when they appeared.
According to an IANS report, slogans targeting the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) and the university’s Vice-Chancellor were also found on campus walls. The university administration condemned the incident and said it was trying to identify those responsible. “It is highly condemnable. The university is trying to identify who wrote these slogans. Strict action will be taken against those involved,” a university official said.
Delhi: A controversy has erupted after slogans such as ‘Free Kashmir’ and ‘Free Sharjeel Imam’ were found written on the walls of Jamia Millia Islamia University. Slogans targeting the RSS, ABVP and the university’s Vice-Chancellor were also found on the walls. The ABVP has objected to the incident and demanded action
— IANS (@ians_india) October 23, 2026
The administration removed the slogans using chemical agents. The official also said that some CCTV cameras had been tampered with, as their wiring was found disconnected or damaged in areas where the slogans appeared.
Police were deployed outside the university as a precautionary measure, while security was tightened inside the campus. Students were checked before being allowed to enter various departments and centres.
Delhi: Heavy police deployed outside Jamia Millia Islamia campus following reports of “Free Kashmir” slogans being written inside the campus. Police are deployed as a precautionary measure amid tensions https://t.co/XKLk0zMS0k
— IANS (@ians_india) October 23, 2026
Ongoing student protests over Union elections
This incident happened during an ongoing student protest that started on 12th October, demanding the return of the Jamia Millia Islamia Students’ Union (JMISU). Protesting students, including women marching in solidarity, have been holding an indefinite hunger strike at Ghalib Lawns. The protesters emphasised their resolve, stating, “We won’t stop until the university restores the union by announcing the JMISU date.” Tension had previously escalated on 17th October when authorities tried to clear the protest site near Gate No. 7, prompting several student organisations to join in support.
To address the situation, the university set up a five-member committee under the Jamia Millia Islamia Act, 1988, to draft a new constitution for the students’ union, which has been dissolved since 2006. The panel was asked to review past court rulings, consider the Lyngdoh Committee guidelines, talk with stakeholders, and submit a draft by 20th December.
However, the protesting students rejected the committee, calling it a delay tactic. They are demanding an immediate election schedule for 2026-27, the removal of the Chief Proctor and Security Advisor, and the complete withdrawal of disciplinary actions against protesters, confirming that their hunger strike will continue until an official election schedule is released.
‘Free Sharjeel Imam’ slogan draws attention
The slogan referring to Sharjeel Imam came at a time when anti-India Islamist Sharjeel Imam is back in the news for a recent interview with the Islamo-leftist propaganda portal ‘The Quint’ published on 29th September, 2026.
Imam is one of the accused in the larger conspiracy case linked to the February 2020 Northeast Delhi riots; the anti-Hindu violence had erupted during the anti-CAA (Citizenship Amendment Act) agitation. The violence left 53 people dead and hundreds injured.
Sharjeel Imam, infamous for his speech calling for separating the “Siliguri Corridor” (Chicken’s Neck) from India, is charged mainly under UAPA provisions for having a part in unlawful and terrorist activities and conspiracy.
