Campus stormed, PU on the boil

Panjab University today witnessed one of the largest and most unprecedented student mobilisations in recent memory. The agitation only intensified, with thousands of students — supported by politicians, farmers, Nihangs and leaders from social, religious and civil society groups — staging continuous protests across the campus against the Centre’s move on restructuring of the Senate and Syndicate.

PU remained under an extraordinary security blanket, with sealed gates, barricaded borders and traffic diversions that caused major inconvenience across neighbouring sectors.

The Tribune broke the story about the intended overhaul of the university, triggering cascading political reactions and campus unrest.

By early morning, the university had turned into a near-fortified zone. Police lines stretched from Gate 1 to Gate 3, multiple internal routes were shut, and mounted police, anti-riot units and women constables formed concentric rings at entry points. Officials confirmed that over 2,700 personnel — one of the highest ever deployed at PU — were stationed across the campus. Water cannons remained on standby.

Students alleged that the police pushed back groups near the Arts Block and restricted movement in the Academic Area. Several protesters were taken away by the police but let-off later to join the protest. “It felt like a lockdown. Every road had barricades,” said a student.

Police officials defended the clampdown as necessary to maintain law and order, and prevent the “outsiders” from turning the protest unruly. But their argument collapsed by midday.

Senior BJP leader and former MP Satya Pal Jain, after meeting Vice-President and PU Chancellor C.P. Radhakrishnan, said he had conveyed student anxieties and stressed that any structural changes must protect PU’s federal, regional character.

Congress MP Manish Tewari condemned the “unnecessary and unprovoked” use of force, saying the students’ demands were “legitimate” and that the university should have started the Senate election process “in January 2024 — not November 2025.”

PU Vice-Chancellor Prof Renu Vig appealed for restraint, asserting that while PU “deeply respects every student’s right to express democratic opinion,” academic continuity and campus stability are “equally essential for the university’s intellectual and research environment.”

Adding a new dimension, Haryana-domicile students and alumni issued a formal statement rejecting claims that PU “belongs solely to Punjab.” They asserted Haryana’s “historical, academic and moral stake” in the university, citing pre-1966 affiliation records and Chandigarh’s status as a joint capital. They demanded that future reforms formally recognise Haryana’s rightful share.

With students planning night vigils, class boycotts and a coordinated march, the impasse appears set to deepen unless the Centre or PU Administration steps in with a time-bound roadmap.

WHAT THEY SAID

“The use of force at PU was unnecessary and unacceptable. The students’ demand is legitimate.” — Manish Tewari, MP

“Campus must remain peaceful, stable and academically vibrant. Dialogue is essential.” — Prof Renu Vig, Vice-Chancellor

“Any changes must protect PU’s historic federal character.” — Satya Pal Jain, Senior BJP Leader

“Haryana has an equal historical, academic and moral stake in PU.” — Haryana Domicile Students & Alumni Group

(With inputs by Deepankar Sharda & Sheetal)