Feel unsafe returning from library at night, say PU girls

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, December 12

Even as Panjab University (PU) girls got a major success in getting the restrictions on the entry and exit timings at girls’ hostels lifted last year, the authorities have let them down by not ensuring adequate safety arrangements.

Many students study at AC Joshi Library at night. They said they felt uncomfortable returning to their hostels from the library during odd hours. With no e-rickshaw facility, students book cabs to reach their hostels.

After 48 days of protest by students, the PU Senate had opened the girls’ hostels 24x7 last year. Then PU Campus Students’ Council president Kanupriya had led the protest for lifting the restrictions on the entry at hostels.

Girl students’ ordeal has, however, not ceased yet.

Aarti, who is pursuing MA in sociology, said, “Even as there is no time restrictions on entry or exit, it is a strenuous task to return to hostels during the wee hours after we are done with our studies. At night, girls have to book cabs to reach hostel number 3, 4 and 5 in the absence of e-rickshaws. Some girls wait for others to form a group before leaving for hostels.”

Pooja Dahiya, another student, said, “The other day, a boy stalked me at 12.30 am after I left the library. He followed me till the DUI building. I had to reach hostel number 4. He left after I mustered courage and stared back at him. Such incidents are not uncommon.”

A student of microbiology said, “The south campus is dimly lit. There is a colony next to our hostel number 9. Security should be tight at the south campus in Sector 25.”

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