Protest in PU: Students break through barricades, scale entry gate as stir intensifies

A lathicharge was carried out to bring the situation under control. Protesters raised slogans such as “Go Back Chandigarh Police,” alleging that the administration and police were trying to suppress their democratic protest.

Members of the PUBM, joined by 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 managed to reach the PU campus. By afternoon, several groups of students were seen marching across university grounds, while others occupied key areas, vowing to continue their agitation until the Senate election schedule is announced.

The protest comes amid continuing resentment over the Union government’s October 28 notification to restructure PU’s governing bodies — the Senate and the Syndicate.

The move aimed to drastically reduce the number of elected members and replace elections with nominations. Following backlash from students, faculty, and political leaders, the Ministry of Education withdrew the order on November 7.

However, student groups called the withdrawal half-hearted, demanding a clear commitment to hold Senate elections that have been pending since October 2024.

The Chandigarh Police had enforced strict security arrangements, including barricading entry points, halting traffic near the campus, and restricting vehicle movement from Mohali. Police stopped around 400–500 protestors from entering the city and allowed only those with university IDs. Around 80 protesters were detained under preventive measures but were released later in the evening.

Inspector General of Police Pushpendra Kumar said police had tried to maintain calm throughout the day. “Our priority was to ensure safety and peace in and around the campus,” he said. “We discouraged the protestors from entering with tractors, asked them to park outside, and only allowed entry after discussion.”

The IG confirmed that no injuries were reported and the situation was brought under control by evening as many outsiders who had joined the protest began moving back towards Mohali.