Panic drives Panjab University and Chandigarh University students to leave campuses

At PU, over 80 percent of hostellers had either left or were preparing to leave within the next two days, said Archit Garg, Vice President of the Panjab University Campus Students’ Council (PUCSC). “The panic was real. Students were feeling unsafe, especially those from sensitive regions. We tried to help however we could, but the administration should have acted sooner,” Garg told this reporter.

With limited connectivity, frequent power cuts, and little clarity on examinations, students faced difficult travel conditions as they returned home.

Sanyam Wadhwa, a fifth-year BBA-LLB student at the University Institute of Legal Studies (UILS), headed back to Bathinda. “After seeing the whole situation, I was afraid. Nothing was in our hands. Bathinda is also at risk, but I went because my parents are alone,” he said. Wadhwa, who lives just 1.5 km from a cantonment area, added that several students from Pathankot and Srinagar were unable to contact their families due to power outages.

Megha Dhanwal, a first-year MA Sociology student from Kathua, Jammu & Kashmir, said she was unsure what to do. “Roads were blocked, and we were stuck. The university only postponed exams for May 8 and 9, but it should’ve done that earlier. There’s still no clarity on papers after May 13, and that’s worrying,” she said.

Twinkle Gupta, a fourth-year dental student from Delhi, was already on her way home. “I just hoped the university would shut down completely until things improved,” she said. Meanwhile, Symaira Jaither, a second-year BA-LLB student from R.S. Pura, Jammu & Kashmir, was still weighing her options. “I was choosing between taking a cab to Ambala for the Vande Bharat or going by bus. I just wanted exams on the 13th postponed so I could leave safely.”

At Chandigarh University, similar scenes unfolded. Krishna Kumar Srivastava, a first-year MBA student from Kapurthala, said, “My parents were very worried. I headed back by car. Exams were postponed here, and I felt they should be conducted online so everyone could return home.”

CU, where nearly 70 percent of students are from other states including Bihar and Madhya Pradesh, also saw a steady exodus. With parents repeatedly calling and urging them to return, many students decided to leave. “My parents felt it’s a war zone out here. They wanted us back,” said two students.

Afreen Manzoor, who lived in a PG with 60 other students, said 40 had already left and 10 more were planning to leave by Saturday. “I planned to go on Sunday. Everyone was anxious, especially those from Jammu and Kashmir,” she said.

Anant Nag, a student from J&K, said he was waiting for road clearance. “This area was safer than the border, but the stress was still there. I was constantly worried about my family,” he said. Vipul Sonthra, a hotel management student from Poonch, echoed the sentiment. “My family was alone. I thought of leaving by Monday, if buses were running.”

Some students left immediately, despite the risks. “I was going back that night by bus, no matter what,” said Rohan Largan, an MBA student from Channi, Jammu. “The situation back home was tense, and I wanted to be there to help my family evacuate if needed.”

Zohra, an M.E. Environment student from Srinagar, said she was waiting for roads to clear after a landslide. “I planned to decide by Sunday or Monday. I just prayed nothing worse happened.”