Lack of security at Panjab University South Campus ahead of student council elections raises concerns

While the main Sector 14 Panjab University (PU) campus has been literally turned into a fortress ahead of the Panjab University Campus Students’ Council (PUCSC) elections, the Sector 25 South Campus witnessed near-to-no vigil by both the Chandigarh Police personnel and the university security.

Unlike the main campus, the South Campus has no checking points for incoming vehicles or heavily guarded entry gates or nakas at various junctions. Despite a student being stabbed to death this year, the existence of hostels and two important departments, which have student voters — the entry to the South Campus is “hassle free”. The only presence of the Chandigarh Police is near the beat box located at the T-Junction at the entrance for the parking of the University Institute of Engineering and Technology (UIET).

“Student strength is more in the Sector 14 PU campus. However, when students campaign in Sector 25, appropriate security is ensured at the South Campus. Moreover, majority outsiders come to the Student Centre, which is in the Sector 14 campus,” said Prof Renu Vig, Vice Chancellor, Panjab University.

The campus has three main entry gates — one from Sector 14 PU campus, second from Sector 24 and third from the highway (near Sector 25 Colony). The campus also has a mini-walking gate, mainly for the usage of government school students (located inside the campus).

University likely to declare PUCSC elections on Aug 22

The security at the main campus of Panjab University continued to be on high alert in anticipation of the official declaration of the PUCSC schedule. On Wednesday, many parties announced joining of other groups to their receptive folds. Officials are expecting the UT Administration’s official approval on the PUCSC election on August 21. Sources claimed that the university is most likely to declare elections on the evening of August 22. Meanwhile, students’ political groups continued their canvassing on the university campus. Political activity in local colleges has also increased.

After murder of a university student, various concerns were raised regarding an easy-to-scale wall. “The authorities are somehow right in their approach, as the South Campus draws less visitors than the main campus. The campus is usually calm, but remains active during elections or during any kind of big event,” said Pritish, a student at the PU South Campus. Notably, the UIET located on the South Campus has the largest vote share of students in the PUCSC elections. The department is usually termed as the “key” to get the PUCSC crown, and has played a decisive role in the past elections.

“The problem is not from students, but from outsiders. The main campus gets more visitors as it has important offices, student centres, majority of hostels and markets. Whereas, the South Campus is not so frequently visited by outsiders. Although, if not the same, adequate security must be ensured at the South Campus as well keeping in view the fact that political leaders have started approaching students here as well. Besides the UIET, canvassing is already underway at hostels and other departments of the same campus,” said a member of the university faculty.