Chandigarh witnessed massive security deployment as Panjab University went under near lockdown amid the ‘PU Bandh’ protest demanding Senate election notifications.
Chandigarh witnessed massive security deployment as Panjab University went under near lockdown amid the ‘PU Bandh’ protest demanding Senate election notifications. (File Photo)
CHANDIGARH: Chandigarh witnessed unprecedented security measures on Monday as the Panjab University campus was placed under near lockdown ahead of the ‘PU Bandh’ call given by several organisations and student political groups demanding notification of the Senate elections. Around 2000 Chandigarh Police personnel and reserve forces have been deployed in and around the campus, which now resembles a garrison.
All entry gates to the university have been shut, with only Gate No. 1 partially opened for essential movement. Students have been barred from entering the premises, while residents inside the campus have been advised to remain indoors. Heavy barricading, surveillance vehicles and buses have been stationed at every access point to prevent any assembly or march.
Senior officials said the security tightening was a precautionary step following inputs about large-scale mobilisation by student groups. All roads leading to the university from Sector 14, 25, and Madhya Marg have been placed under surveillance.
Student organisations accused the university administration and Chandigarh Police of “using force and fear” to suppress the agitation. They alleged that tents, sound systems and supplies for the protest were being blocked unless cleared by the Vice Chancellor’s office. “The campus looks like a war zone. Barricades have been put up even at the Punjab-Chandigarh border to stop our supporters. This is undemocratic, illegal and a direct attempt to silence our voice,” a student leader said.
The ‘PU Bandh’ call has come amid continuing unrest following the Union Ministry of Education’s now-withdrawn notification that sought to restructure the university’s governing system. The issue sparked political outrage across Punjab and Chandigarh, with opposition parties accusing the Centre of trying to undermine PU’s federal and autonomous character.
The agitation site saw a steady stream of political leaders on Sunday. Punjab Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian, Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa, senior Congress leader Rana Gurjeet Singh, MPs Dr Amar Singh and Dr Dharamvir Gandhi, former Union Minister Pawan Kumar Bansal, Punjab Congress leader Dalvir Singh Goldy, and Haryana farmer leader Gurnam Singh Charuni, Punjabi Singer Satinder Sartaj, Babbu Mann who are alumni of this university, also have supported the protest and visited the protesters and extended solidarity.
Despite the Ministry’s rollback of the controversial notification, the protests have not subsided. Student bodies have insisted that the university must immediately announce the Senate election schedule, saying the administration’s silence is fuelling suspicion and anger.
Authorities, meanwhile, maintained that the situation is under control and that security arrangements would remain in place until normalcy is restored. The administration has urged students to maintain peace and assured that the matter of Senate elections is under active consideration.
