JNU students hold candlelight vigil for Iqra Firdaus, demand speedy justice

NEW DELHI: Students from Jammu & Kashmir at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) organised a candlelight vigil on campus to express solidarity with Iqra Firdaus, a young woman who went missing on May 30 and was later found dead under disturbing circumstances. The gathering drew participation from a large number of students, members of the JNU Students' Union (JNUSU), and representatives of several student organisations.

The participants voiced concern over the pace of the ongoing investigation and called for greater transparency from the authorities. Speakers at the event stressed the need for a fair and speedy probe, stating that justice must be delivered without delay to the victim's family.

Students raise concerns over investigation
Addressing the gathering, Hafsa Bukhari, Councillor, JNUSU, demanded a fair and expeditious trial in the case. “We demand a fair and speedy trial in this case and that the perpetrators be brought to justice at the earliest,” she said.

Danish Ali, Joint Secretary, JNUSU, reiterated the union's support for the bereaved family and urged the administration to ensure accountability. He warned that the student community would intensify its protest if adequate action was not taken.

Calls for transparency and accountability
Several students also questioned the progress of the investigation and the absence of official updates. Akil, a student of Jamia Millia Islamia, sought clarification regarding the delay in the probe, asking why the investigation had not moved forward more swiftly.

Irfan, a student of the University of Delhi, raised concerns about the non-release of the forensic report and the lack of a formal briefing by the police. Participants argued that regular public updates were necessary to maintain confidence in the investigation process.

Key demands put forward by protesters
The protesters collectively placed three key demands before the authorities:

• A fair and speedy trial in the case.
• Immediate release of the forensic report.
• Greater transparency through an official press conference and regular public updates on the investigation.

The participants maintained that "justice delayed is justice denied" and called upon the concerned authorities to act swiftly, transparently and responsibly to ensure justice for Iqra Firdaus and her family.