Dhankhar in Panjab University today, protesters plan to burn effigy

Ahead of the visit of Vice-President and Panjab University Chancellor Jagdeep Dhankhar for the inauguration of Global Alumni Meet on Saturday in PU campus, students protesting against the delay in Senate polls have announced to burn an effigy of the Chancellor and Vice-Chancellor.

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The students, protesting under the banner of Panjab University Bachao Morcha, had met with the VC demanding a meeting with the VP, but the request was turned down. Apart from them, five former Senate members have also written to the VC seeking meeting with the VP.

Varsity's Gate No. 1 to remain closed

Owing to arrival of the Vice President and PU Chancellor Jagdeep Dhankhar, Gate No. 1 of the university, opposite PGIMER, will remain closed for entry and exit from 8 am to 3 pm on Saturday. The road from Gate No. 1 via Arts Block 1, 2, 3 and Gandhi Bhawan till Law Auditorium, where the function is to be held, shall remain unaccessible to public from 7 am to 3 pm.

On turning down the protesters’ demand, VC Prof Renu Vig said, “Panjab University has a duly elected student council. We have been discussing with them for last two days that elected council members represent all students on campus, so they can put forward their demands through democratically elected council members.”

“On Saturday, Chancellor Jagdeep Dhankhar will arrive as the chief guest for the alumni meet. The morcha demanded a meeting between its delegates and the Chancellor, but the university administration ignored this legitimate demand. It is the fundamental right of students to question and meet the Chancellor of their university,” a student leader said.

As many as 1,265 persons have registered for the Global Alumni Meet so far, which will be inaugurated by the Chancellor. Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat, former Uttarakhand Governor Krishan Kant Paul, former National Disaster Response Force Director General Atul Karwal, former Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora and senior journalist Shekhar Gupta will also attend the alumni meet.