Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) is witnessing a surge of campus unrest, with protests against a steep annual fee hike stretching into their fifth consecutive day. Students are not only demanding an immediate rollback but also calling for the long-pending revival of student union elections, which have not been held for eight years.

In a letter to Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, the All India Jammu and Kashmir Students Association warned that the hike — ranging from 36 to 42 per cent in some courses — would push thousands of students from underprivileged backgrounds out of higher education.

“The students have been courageously opposing what they see as an arbitrary, unjustified and exclusionary hike,” said association convenor Nasir Khehami. “The B.Lib course fee, for instance, jumped from ₹16,000 last year to over ₹22,000.”

While AMU’s proctor confirmed the increases, citing the need to improve infrastructure and stressing that it was a committee decision, student leaders argue the burden falls on those least able to afford it — many from working-class and socially disadvantaged families already struggling with daily expenses.

The university has invited suggestions from continuing students via a proforma shared on social media, with a newly formed committee led by Prof. M Asmer Beg tasked to review grievances.

The association’s letter also alleged that peaceful protests were met with excessive force last Friday at the Bab-e-Syed Gate, where demonstrators were dragged away during a dharna coinciding with Friday prayers. With no elected student union for the past seven years, the group claimed, there is a “growing communication gap” and “no accountability” in decision-making.

Beyond the fee rollback and student elections, protestors are pressing for the removal of certain senior officials they hold responsible for the crisis, and for immediate improvements in hostel conditions, which they describe as overcrowded and unhygienic.

Several Opposition MPs have written to AMU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Naima Khatoon, expressing concern over the crackdown on students. As the standoff deepens, classes remain boycotted in large numbers, with the Bab-e-Syed Gate becoming the rallying point of a movement that shows no sign of fading.