From @iitbombay UG students on Dafli Gang 🚨 *EMERGENCY: CONCERNS ABOUT CAMPUS SECURITY, POLITICAL MOBILISATION, AND THE ACADEMIC ENVIRONMENT AT IIT BOMBAY*🆘 Yesterday's incident at the main gate of @iitbombay has raised serious concerns about campus security, the politicisation of student protests, and the safety and well-being of students, faculty, staff, and other campus residents. Yesterday, some individuals from outside the institute allegedly attempted to enter the campus. There are also concerns that certain individuals associated with the ongoing protest seeking justice for Sahil invited external political figures, including Varsha Gaikwad, a Congress MP, to the campus. Meanwhile, other political organisations have reportedly organised demonstrations outside the main gate. These developments raise two fundamental questions: Who is driving the political mobilisation around the campus?, and what are its consequences for campus security, the academic environment, and the everyday lives of IIT Bombay students? 1. Who is contributing to the politicisation of the campus? Some students participating in the ongoing protest are associated with political student organisations, including NSUI, AISA, AISF, SFI, and other political or local groups. Their involvement raises questions about whether the protest is remaining focused on its stated objective of seeking justice for Sahil or whether broader political interests are increasingly shaping its direction. Every student has the right to express their concerns peacefully and seek justice. However, it is equally important to ensure that a sensitive issue does not become an instrument for political mobilisation that disrupts the academic life and normal functioning of the institute. Recent developments risk turning our campus into a site of political confrontation and external interference. 2. What are the consequences for campus security and student life? First, campus security has become a serious concern. Yesterday, we observed several alleged attempts by individuals from outside the institute to enter the campus by jumping over its boundary wall. This is alarming. Many students are concerned about their safety, and some have already left the campus because of these concerns. Second, repeated gate closures and restrictions are creating uncertainty about the institute's normal functioning. Important institutional events, academic programmes, professional interactions, and other planned activities may have to be postponed or cancelled because of uncertainty about the security situation. This could also discourage companies and other external organisations from visiting the campus. Many students have previously benefited from direct interactions with company representatives and human resources personnel at such events, helping them secure internships and employment opportunities. As these activities are repeatedly disrupted, students risk losing valuable opportunities through no fault of their own. Third, the continuing uncertainty is affecting students' academic lives. Several students have expressed concern that repeated protests at the main gate, sudden closures, and uncertainty about what might happen next are creating an atmosphere of anxiety. When students repeatedly face restrictions and disruptions in their daily routines, it becomes difficult to concentrate on coursework, research, examinations, and other academic responsibilities. The current situation is making it increasingly difficult for some students to maintain their academic routines. Fourth, students are facing difficulties entering their own campus. Some students have reportedly been unable to enter their own campus through the main gate because of the ongoing protests. This is particularly concerning. Students who reside on campus or need to enter it for classes, laboratory work, research, and other essential activities should not have to face uncertainty about their access to the institute.