How and why Punjabis mobilise so quickly at protest sites

As Panjab University in Chandigarh turns into a new rallying point for protesters from Punjab, the state once again shows signs of being a tinderbox, where tensions flare quickly and mobilisations erupt at the faintest perception of an ‘anti-Punjab’ move. Whether it is the Panjab University senate election controversy, Punjab’s share in the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB), the dispute over river waters, the crisis in the farming community, or recurring sacrilege issues, protests gather momentum in hours. Crowds often appear spontaneously, swelling into large assemblies, raising questions: are these organic mass responses or orchestrated mobilisations by organised groups?

Social media discourse around such events often points to rising sentiments of Punjab nationalism, collective anxiety, perceived injustice, and a renewed political consciousness that push people into action. Experts and social activists — including those who have taken part in earlier agitations — say the youth's sensitivity to these issues is both emotional and political.

Ajay Pal Singh Brar, head of the Misl-Satluj organisation that addresses Punjab’s socio-political concerns, describes the current mobilisation as largely informal. “We gave a call on social media for people to join the protest at PU but never imagined they’d arrive in more than a hundred cars. There seems to be a collective consciousness that overrides politics and draws people together. Some call it Punjabi nationalism — people join because they feel that the issue, in this case about PU’s autonomy, is crucial for Punjab.”

Dr Piara Lal Garg, commentator on Punjab’s socio-political landscape and former Dean at Panjab University, appears in social media videos urging youth to move peacefully towards the protest site. “There is a restlessness among young people that must be addressed,” he says. “They acted responsibly and avoided violence. Even during the Delhi farmer protests, the youth maintained discipline despite high emotions.”

Dr Garg, who has at times advised political parties, emphasises the absence of a centralised leadership in these protests. “You won’t find politicians leading these gatherings. They arise from a perception of injustice — some wrong being done. Youth from Punjab, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh feel anxiety about their future, education, jobs, and the environment.”

Political analyst Dr Pramod Kumar, Chairperson of the Institute for Development and Communication (IDC), attributes this pattern of mobilisation to a long-standing narrative of perceived injustice. “Protests in Punjab often stem from the belief that the state has been wronged historically and shortchanged by the Centre. The PU issue was framed within this larger sentiment — as if Punjab is losing another institutional asset. Stakeholders who may lose influence if Senate members are nominated instead of elected have added their spin, while political parties seek opportunities in the unrest.”

According to Dr Kumar, the timing of the controversy — coinciding with Punjab Day on November 1 — fed into conspiratorial interpretations questioning Punjab’s autonomy and identity. “People view it through a wider lens: from river water disputes and flood compensation to the treatment of farmers. The common perception is that outsiders are dictating Punjab’s affairs and that discrimination by the Centre continues to erode the state’s self-respect.”

A former top official of Punjab Police wishing not to be quoted said such protests should be taken seriously as it shows the pulse and emotions of the people. “The PU protest and some earlier in Punjab can’t be termed as anti-national like some people tried.  Punjabis mobilise fast as they have been emotional historically on issues whenever and wherever the position of the state comes. There was an attempt to change the basic character of Panjab University. We have no interest which individual is Senate member but attempts to nominate them instead of democratically electing them have to be objected to. Why not make Governor of Punjab the Chancellor of the University instead of the Vice-President?” he questions.