Tensions flared at Punjab University on Wednesday as students, protesting over the delay in Senate elections, were lathi-charged by Chandigarh Police, leaving 10 students injured. The protest unfolded at the varsity campus at a time when the ‘Punjab Vision 2047’ conclave was underway, where Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann was addressing the gathering at the Law Auditorium.
The students, protesting under the banner of ‘Panjab University Bachao Morcha’ over the delay in conducting Senate elections, had decided to march towards the Vice-Chancellor’s residence, but later changed their plan and started moving towards the auditorium, where the Chief Minister was present along with PU Vice-Chancellor Prof Renu Vig.
As they neared the Law Auditorium, police intervened to stop their progress. The protesters attempted to divert their route toward the conclave, which led to a confrontation. The police resorted to a lathicharge when the demonstrators refused to disperse, resulting in injuries to atleast 10 students. A police official stated, “The protesters did not have permission to approach the venue. Since no barricading was done around the auditorium, we had to stop them.”
Following the altercation, members of the Bharatiya Kisan Union (Krantikari) joined the protesters at the Student Centre, raising slogans against the PU authorities. Despite the confrontation, the police did not file an FIR, nor were any protesters detained.
The protests highlighted the growing frustration over the delay in Senate elections, which are critical for the functioning of the university’s highest decision-making body. The previous Senate's term ended in October, but no notification for new elections has been issued as of now. As per the university’s guidelines, the election notification should have been released at least 240 days before the election date, but this has not been done. Students argued that this delay is affecting the governance of the university, and they vowed to continue their protests until their demands are met.
Student leader Ashmit Singh stated that despite the ongoing protests, their commitment to the cause remained strong. “Even though there was violence today, our demand for the Senate elections remains unchanged. The notification has not been issued, and the election process has been stalled for too long,” he added. Around 10 students were injured in the confrontation, some of whom reportedly suffered cuts and bruises.
Political backing for the students’ cause has been widespread, with senior leaders from SAD, AAP, and Congress, lending their support to the protests. Congress leaders, including Chandigarh MP, met with Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar to demand immediate action, while Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann also wrote to the Vice President urging the election process to begin swiftly.
The Senate, the highest decision-making body of Punjab University, is responsible for crucial academic, financial, and administrative decisions. Its elections are typically conducted every four years, with representation from faculty, students, and other stakeholders. The lack of timely elections has sparked widespread concerns about the future of the institution’s governance, with students, political parties, and faculty members all voicing their frustration.
Mann Asserts No Haryana Share in PU; Rejects Backdoor Senate Entry
While the police were lathi-charging protesting students outside, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann was addressing the ‘Punjab Vision 2047’ conclave inside the Law Auditorium, emphasizing that Punjab University is an integral part of Punjab’s emotional, cultural, and literary heritage. He firmly stated that the university, as a premier educational institution, had no need for any share from Haryana.
Mann made it clear that no college from Haryana would be granted affiliation with the university, nor would any efforts to gain backdoor entry into the university’s Senate be tolerated. Expressing concern over ongoing attempts to alter the status of the university, he assured that the Punjab Government would vehemently oppose such moves in the best interests of the students.
