Chandigarh: Tensions soared at Panjab University on Monday as student protests demanding the announcement of Senate elections intensified, prompting heightened security measures and plans to call in additional forces.
Despite the Ministry of Education revoking its October 28 order earlier this month following student and political opposition, the agitation continued. Students organized a ‘PU Bandh’, insisting that the long-pending Senate election schedule be released.
Authorities responded with stringent security protocols, including barricades at all entry points, deployment of buses, and checkpoints on surrounding roads. Security personnel were also stationed at key locations along the Chandigarh-Mohali-Zirakpur border.
The SSP of Chandigarh Police reportedly engaged with student leaders while indicating that reserve forces may be called to maintain law and order if the situation worsens. Protesters, however, refused to allow barricades near Gate No. 1, signaling their determination to continue the agitation. Additional demonstrators, carrying BKU flags, entered the campus, and food langars were arranged to sustain the protest.
The police measures have also created significant traffic disruptions. Barricades near the Chandigarh-Mohali border at Phase-6 have blocked trucks and buses, resulting in long queues and chaos on the roads. In Zirakpur, vehicles are stuck due to strict checks by Chandigarh police, forcing commuters to seek alternate routes.
Authorities have urged motorists to plan their travel accordingly and warned that the situation may persist as student protests continue. Meanwhile, the campus remains under tight surveillance, with both police and reserve forces on standby.
