Chandigarh, November 10: Tensions are rising at Panjab University (PU) as the campus prepares for a major protest and shutdown called by the Panjab University Bachao Morcha on Monday. The authorities have tried to defuse the situation and assured that the senate election process has officially begun, but student groups remain firm on continuing their protest plans.
University Declares Holiday to Prevent Disruption
In anticipation of possible unrest, the PU administration declared November 11 and 12 as holidays, effectively suspending all academic activities. The university has also restricted campus entry, allowing only vehicles with official PU stickers and valid identity cards.
Vice-Chancellor Renu Vig said the university has submitted the detailed election schedule to the Vice-President of India, who serves as the university’s chancellor, for approval. She added that the administration has formally started the senate election process under the Panjab University Act, 1947, and the University Calendar (2022). Vig urged students to maintain peace and help restore normalcy on campus.
Students Refuse to Withdraw Protest
However, student organizations have refused to call off their shutdown plan, saying that verbal assurances from authorities are no longer enough. Around 20 student groups met the Dean of Student Welfare (DSW) and hostel wardens but decided to continue their protest until the university conducts the senate elections.
Student leader Raman Singh criticized the administration’s decision to declare a holiday, calling it an attempt to “dilute the protest.” He said the decision only strengthened the students’ resolve to continue their agitation until the authorities met their demands.
Security Tightened; Police on High Alert
To maintain law and order, the Chandigarh Police deployed personnel across the campus and nearby areas. PU’s Chief Security Officer Vikram Singh said the police created several checkpoints (nakas) at key entry points, including Dhanas Lake Road, the Mattaur barrier, the road dividing Sectors 14/25, and near Maharana Pratap Hostel.
He added that student safety remains the top priority, and the police will step in if outsiders try to enter the campus during the protest.
Political and Farmer Support for Students
The protest has gained significant political and social backing, with several leaders visiting the campus to express solidarity with the students. Among the visitors were Patiala MP Dharamvir Gandhi, Punjab Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Singh Khuddian, Qadian MLA Partap Singh Bajwa, former Chandigarh MP Pawan Kumar Bansal, and senior Congress leader Rana Gurjeet Singh.
Additionally, farmer unions such as the Bhartiya Kisan Majdoor Morcha, Krantikari Kisan Union, and BKU (Sidhupur) have pledged support. Rural groups and gurdwara congregations from various districts of Punjab are also expected to join the protest on Monday.
Outsiders and Lax Enforcement of Sticker Rule
Despite the PU registrar’s directive restricting entry to vehicles with official university stickers, outsiders were seen on campus over the weekend. Security officials cited limited manpower as the reason for weak enforcement.
Authorities also requested local vendors not to provide tents, sound systems, or other protest materials, but the Bachao Morcha managed to bring in equipment and set up tents opposite the Department of Mathematics — the main protest site.
What Lies Ahead
With several student groups, political leaders, and farmer organizations joining forces, Monday’s shutdown at Panjab University is set to draw massive participation. The administration stands firm on keeping peace, while students vow to continue their protest until authorities take concrete action on the senate election issue.
