Panjab University Protests: Heavy Police Deployment as Campus Braces for Shutdown

 

Panjab University Protests: Heavy Police Deployment as Campus Braces for Shutdown

Heavy police deployment was witnessed in and around Panjab University (PU) on Monday as the institution prepared for a potential shutdown following a protest call by students demanding the announcement of Senate elections.

Students under the “Panjab University Bachao Morcha” banner have been protesting against the Centre’s restructured proposal for the Senate and Syndicate, despite the Ministry of Education withdrawing the controversial order earlier this month.

Background: Why Students Are Protesting

The Ministry of Education had issued a notification on October 28, amending the Panjab University Act, 1947, which reduced the strength of the Senate — the university’s apex governing body — from 91 to 31 members, and removed elections for the Syndicate, its executive body.

However, after widespread criticism from student groups, political leaders, and education activists, the Centre revoked the decision on November 7. Despite the rollback, students continue their agitation, demanding an immediate announcement of the pending Senate election schedule, which has not been held for over a year.

Security Measures Tightened Around PU

To maintain law and order, Chandigarh Police have deployed heavy security forces across the PU campus and nearby areas.

• Barricades were set up at all university entry points.
• Security checkpoints were installed along major access roads.
• Personnel have also been stationed at the Chandigarh-Mohali border points to prevent escalation.

Authorities have declared holidays on Monday and Tuesday, allowing only those with valid university ID cards to enter the campus.

Student Leaders Call for Peaceful Demonstration

PU Campus Students Council (PUCSC) vice-president Ashmeet Singh confirmed that preparations for a peaceful protest have been made.

“We will continue our peaceful demonstration until the Senate election schedule is officially announced,” said Singh, claiming that many students were being denied campus entry.

Student leader Abhishek Dagar also emphasized that the agitation will remain peaceful and democratic in nature.

Political and Public Support Grows

The student protest has garnered support from several political parties and civil society groups across Punjab.
Leaders from AAP, Congress, and Shiromani Akali Dal, along with farmers’ unions and local artists, have expressed solidarity with the students.

Prominent figures backing the movement include:

• Gurmeet Singh Khuddian, Punjab Minister
• Partap Singh Bajwa, Leader of Opposition, Punjab Assembly
• Dharamvira Gandhi and Amar Singh, Congress MPs
• Rana Gurjeet Singh, Congress MLA
• Pawan Kumar Bansal, former Union Minister

Future of the Senate Polls

Despite the Ministry’s withdrawal of the order, no fresh announcement has been made regarding the Senate election schedule, leaving uncertainty over the governance of Panjab University.
Students and faculty have urged authorities to restore the democratic structure of the university’s decision-making bodies to ensure transparency and autonomy.