Chandigarh (Gurpreet Singh): A student-led protest at Panjab University turned chaotic on Monday when demonstrators clashed with police after entering the campus, amid a call for a ‘PU Bandh’ demanding the notification of Senate elections.
Protesters reportedly forced their way through Gate No. 1, despite strict security measures, including barricades, buses, and a strong police presence. Eyewitnesses said scuffles broke out, and some protesters allegedly seized police canes, escalating tensions on campus.
Authorities had enforced tight surveillance around all entry points, citing concerns over potential disruptions. Residents inside the university were advised to stay indoors as the situation intensified.
Political Leaders Show Support
Several high-profile leaders visited the site of the protest, including Punjab Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian, Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa, and Congress leader Rana Gurjeet Singh, highlighting the political dimension of the unrest.
Student representatives criticized the university administration and police, claiming that security measures were designed to suppress their mobilisation. They described the deployment of barricades and restrictions as “illegal and undemocratic”, alleging that access from the Punjab-Chandigarh border was being blocked to prevent supporters from joining the march.
Root Cause of the Unrest
The protest is linked to the Centre’s recent overhaul of Panjab University, which has been politically contentious in both Punjab and Chandigarh. Although certain changes have been rolled back, student groups continue to demand transparency and the immediate notification of Senate elections.
Police maintained that the security measures were intended to protect students and maintain order on a historically significant campus, while student leaders insisted their agitation was peaceful in nature.
The clash represents a deepening rift between student bodies, political leaders, and the university administration, reflecting ongoing dissatisfaction with governance at the institution. Authorities have urged calm and dialogue to prevent further escalation.
Monday’s events mark one of the most significant student confrontations in recent years at Panjab University, signaling that the Senate elections issue remains a highly sensitive and contentious matter.
