Chandigarh (Gurpreet Singh): A heavy security blanket covered Panjab University on Monday morning as law enforcement prepared for a campus-wide shutdown called by multiple student and political organisations. The ‘PU Bandh’ was announced to press for the immediate notification of the university’s Senate elections — a demand that has ignited fresh political tensions in the region.
Police set up strict checkpoints at all entry and exit routes leading to the university. Gate No. 1, the primary access point, was opened only partially for controlled movement, while other gates were sealed off completely. Dozens of police vehicles and reserve force units were stationed at key junctions around the campus.
Residents within the university grounds were instructed to stay indoors, with authorities citing “precautionary measures” to avoid any disturbance or untoward incident.
The controversy stems from the Union government’s earlier proposal to restructure Panjab University — a decision that triggered intense political debate in both Punjab and Chandigarh. Although the Centre later rolled back the move, the matter continues to stir discontent among students and political groups demanding greater autonomy and timely elections.
Student representatives accused the administration of “stifling dissent” by restricting basic protest arrangements such as tents and sound systems. “The campus looks more like a military zone than an educational institution,” one student leader remarked, alleging that barricades had also been erected along the Punjab–Chandigarh border to stop supporters from joining the demonstration.
Protesting groups condemned the actions as an assault on democratic rights, calling the administration’s approach “arbitrary and suppressive.”
The agitation has drawn attention from several prominent political figures who visited the protest site over the weekend. Those present included Punjab Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian, Opposition Leader Partap Singh Bajwa, senior Congress leader Rana Gurjeet Singh, MPs Dr Amar Singh and Dr Dharamvira Gandhi, former Union Minister Pawan Kumar Bansal, Congress leader Dalvir Singh Goldy, and Haryana farmer leader Gurnam Singh Charuni.
With tensions running high and no sign of compromise from either side, the Panjab University campus remains under tight watch as the demand for Senate elections intensifies.
