Chandigarh Police struggle to contain violent protest near PU gates

The Chandigarh police faced a massive challenge as violent clashes broke out near the Panjab University (PU) gates, where hundreds of leaders and activists had gathered to support the student protest over the delay in Senate elections.

A number of students, trying to forcibly enter the campus at Gate No. 1 and 2, were taken to the India Reserve Battalion (IRB) Complex in Sarangpur, and let-off later to join the protest. As many as 2500 personnel of the UT police were deployed at the PU gates and inside the campus. Around 150-200 were called from Punjab Police. The police had been deployed since 5:30 am, with the campus sealed and barricaded from all sides. However, despite this tight security, protestors forced open Gate No. 1, breaking locks and overpowering the police.

As students pushed through, three to four policemen sustained injuries, while a stampede-like situation erupted at the gates—many protesters lost their shoes, caps and personal belongings.

Chandigarh SSP Kanwardeep Kaur said, “We were mindful of the students and ensured that no tear gas, water cannons or excessive force was used. In protests of this nature, tensions can escalate quickly, especially with multiple student groups and ideological organisations involved. Some Kisan Unions also joined the protest. Many PU students also joined the unions, and the demonstration remained fully contained without any acts of violence. No one was injured or harmed, despite the large number of participants. Students who were temporarily held in buses at IRB Sarangpur were not detained but managed in a controlled manner to prevent clashes and later allowed to join the protest peacefully.”

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Four police personnel were injured. By 9 am, the PU campus resembled a fortress, yet tension escalated further as All India Students’ Federation supporters, members of farmer unions and Nihangs from Punjab joined the protest. Vehicles carrying food and people from Punjab lined up at the gates, while more demonstrators carrying Bharatiya Kisan Union(BKU) flags entered the premises. Heated arguments broke out between Chandigarh Police and Nihang groups after their arrival.

Around 11 am, the SSP reached the site and tried to pacify the student leaders demanding entry for outsiders. “We are not stopping the students. But outsiders need permission to reach inside the campus. We are in favour of a peaceful protest. People can’t just barge in,” she stated. However, her appeals went unheeded as the protesters again surged towards Gate No 1, breaking additional side locks and overpowering police personnel. Both the SSP and the IGP were escorted out after the crowd turned unruly. In the ensuing confusion, the police allowed unrestricted entry to prevent further confrontation, resulting in tractors, pickup trucks with loudspeakers, and even langar vehicles entering the campus to serve food to protesters.

The protesters also overturned barricades near Gate No. 1.