Thin presence of protesters on campus amid heavy security

Differences between Punjab and Haryana students, which were evident during the November 10 show of strength on the Panjab University campus, cast a shadow on today’s ‘shutdown’ call given by the Panjab University Bachao Morcha. There was a thin presence of protesters on the campus amid heavy development of police force, including the Rapid Action Force (RAF).

After last evening’s incident, when protesting students closed Gate No 2 in protest against the university’s decision to shift the exam centres to DAV College, there were rumours had the protesters would hold a massive show today. The morcha had earlier invited various unions and students to support its “PU Bandh” call — the second time this month. However, the scenes were contrasting to what was expected. The protest remained a routine affair outside the Vice-Chancellor’s office.

Meanwhile, anticipating a November 10-like showdown, police personnel were deputed across the campus along with RAF personnel carrying non-lethal weapons and deployment of water cannon vans. The protesters were expected to gather on the campus by 11 am, but the representatives of some farmer unions reached the protest site by 3 pm. Speakers demanded the early notification of the Senate election schedule. However, the slogans on Punjab’s claim to Chandigarh were not raised prominently, unlike the previous protests.

“Earlier, students were fighting for the issues related to the welfare of the university only, but it has now openly become a Haryana-Punjab situation, which has made many students to distance themselves from the protest. Also, the university administration is very weak, as it has failed to take a stand on its own decisions,” said Mohit Manderana, joint secretary of the Panjab University Campus Students Council (PUCSC).

“Today’s show of strength clearly depicts the differences that have emerged between the students belonging to Punjab and Haryana. After the November 10 show of strength, where many individuals from Punjab raised the issue related to Chandigarh’s affiliation with the state, and other sensitive ones. Students from Haryana have pulled back from the ongoing protest. Unlike the last protest, there was a thin presence of students, while the outsiders continue to arrive here and leave for their respective towns after meeting protesters. The representatives of farmer unions also reached here, but it looked like a mere formality,” said one of the protesting students.

"Our main agenda was PU shutdown via a peaceful protest. Since the authorities had conceded our demands, our protest has been successful. State forces were deployed by the authorities to prevent protesters from participating in the shutdown. Despite all this, the protest call has been a huge success," said Sandeep, from the Punjab University Bachao Morcha.

Some protesting students also claimed that many of the prominent faces of the ongoing protest were supporting the farmer rally at Sector 43, which made the university protest a low-key affair.

Meanwhile, just like regular days, langar continued at the protesting site. The students confirmed they would continue with the sit-in.

Gates not barricaded

The campus was virtually turned into a fortress with the deployment of Chandigarh Police personnel, RAF, riot control police vehicles, water cannons.

The gates were not barricaded

University market remained closed, as a holiday was already declared by the authorities.

The Administrative Block, which houses important and sensitive documents, was heavily guarded.