Thousands of protesters demanding the announcement of the long-overdue Panjab University (PU) Senate elections entered the campus on Monday by breaking through Gate No. 1 and tearing down Chandigarh Police barricades. The demonstration led by the Panjab University Bachao Morcha (PUBM) and included student leaders and several members of farmer unions. Students break the barricades and police could not stop the large group from entering the campus.
Chandigarh Police a strong presence around the university, especially outside Gate No. 1, while Gates No. 2 and No. 3 remained closed with barricades. Tension grew when some protesters clashed with security personnel, climbed the gates, and took police canes used for crowd control.
Students break the barricades, Police conduct lathi charge
Police carried out a lathi charge to regain control of the situation. Protesters shouted slogans like “Go Back Chandigarh Police,” claiming the administration and police were trying to stifle their democratic protest.
Members of the PUBM, along with leaders from various farmer unions, broke through barricades at the Chandigarh–Mohali border before heading to the university. Despite heavy police presence and checkpoints, many got onto the PU campus. By the afternoon, several groups of students seen marching across the university grounds. Others occupied key areas, vowing to continue their protest until the Senate election schedule announced.
What behind the protest?
This protest comes amid ongoing anger over the Union government’s October 28 notification to restructure PU’s governing bodies, the Senate and the Syndicate. The plan aimed to sharply reduce the number of elected members and replace elections with nominations. After Students break the barricades, the Ministry of Education withdrew the order on November 7.
However, student groups called the withdrawal inadequate, demanding a clear commitment to hold Senate elections that have been delayed since October 2024.