Leaders raise Punjab’s claim on Union Territory

The stage of the Panjab University Bachao Morcha was taken over by Punjab leaders and social activists demanding the state’s right on Chandigarh and the democratic rights of the university students. They raised slogans against the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), Centre, and the Punjab Government, reviving the memories of the farmer protest.

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

However, the leaders were tight-lipped when questioned about the ban on student elections in Punjab.

“This is not a platform to discuss this issue, neither do I want to comment. We are fighting for the Senate elections, which has nothing to do with the student elections in Punjab,” said an MLA, who did not want to be named. His associates said, “In the absence of the Senate elections, the Panjab University authorities have committed many wrongdoings. After the elected Senate comes to power, we will expose everything.”

When asked the same question to a farmer union representative, Amarjit Singh replied: “Whenever our union gives a call to gather at a place, we reach there. No one can take back Punjab’s right.”

The students in the state are pressing for their ‘democratic rights’, seeking elections on the lines of the Panjab University Campus Students Council (PUCSC) and student unions elections in Chandigarh. The state has a large number of colleges affiliated to PU in Ludhiana, Hoshiarpur and Muktsar. In 2018, the then Punjab Government decided to reintroduce the student elections in the state after a gap of 34 years. However, the decision is yet to be implemented.

In 1984, the state government had banned the student union elections due to militancy and law and order situation.

“To conduct the student election is definitely a process, which the state government should have started. However, we have gathered here today to press for the Senate elections. By notifying the reforms, the government committed a mistake,” said Hargunpreet, a female student from Patiala.

Stage set up near VC office

The protest, meanwhile, started on a peaceful note until the police stopped the outsiders at Gate No 1. The protesters, taking advantage of large gathering, forced themselves inside the campus, even as the police remained a mute spectator. By afternoon, a few tractors, pick-up vans carrying food and beddings, and cars entered PU and camped outside the Vice-Chancellor’s office. A stage was set up to address the gathering, which was used by various social activists, farmer union leaders and former PUCSC representatives. Besides demanding a notification on Senate elections, the representatives of various organisations appreciated the youngsters for organising a massive protest similar to the farmer protest and appealed for a show of unity.

Monitoring situation: VC

"The university administration is closely monitoring the situation. The PU deeply respects students' right to express opinions in a democratic manner, but it is equally important to ensure that academic activities continue smoothly." — Prof Renu Vig, PU Vice-chancellor