Panjab University on alert over outsiders' presence at today's protest
What's the story
Panjab University (PU) is on high alert as it braces for an influx of outsiders ahead of a planned shutdown protest by the Panjab University Bachao Morcha on Monday. The protest comes despite the government's decision to roll back controversial senate reforms. Students are demanding official senate elections, refusing to call off their protests until their demands are met.
Security measures
PU declares holiday, restricts vehicle entry
In a bid to prevent disruptions, PU declared a holiday for Monday and Tuesday. The university has also prohibited vehicle entry without official university stickers and IDs. Vice-chancellor Renu Vig appealed for peace and urged students to withdraw their agitation, as the election process had been formally initiated and "there was no place for doubt or uncertainty." However, student organizations remain unconvinced and plan to continue their protests with external support.
Solidarity grows
Political leaders, farmer unions to join protests
The protest site has also seen visits from political figures like Patiala MP Dharamvir Gandhi and Punjab agriculture minister Gurmeet Singh Khuddian. Farmer unions, such as Bhartiya Kisan Majdoor Morcha, Krantikari Kisan Union, and BKU (Sidhupur), are also expected to join the protests on Monday. Vikram Singh, PU's head security officer, said the Chandigarh Police will remain on campus on Monday. Hundreds of police officers have also been deployed at various nakas throughout Chandigarh, overseen by multiple DSPs and inspectors.
Items
Many outsiders were also seen around the protest site
According to HT, despite university authorities' requests that local vendors not provide students tents, sound systems, or other protest materials, the Panjab University Bachao Morcha was able to arrange and bring the equipment to the protest spot. Many outsiders were also seen around the protest site this weekend even though the PU registrar's circular specified that only vehicles with proper PU stickers would be allowed entry.
Origin
Why are students protesting?
Student groups began their protests on October 29 after the Centre issued a notification to dissolve both the senate and Syndicate of Panjab University. The Centre has now abolished the graduate constituency and reduced the Senate's strength from 91 to 24 members, all of whom will now be nominated instead of elected. Protestors also argue that designating the Board of Governors as the highest decision-making body will serve political interests, as it would primarily consist of nominated members.
Demands
What are students' demands?
PU students are demanding the restoration of democratic governance and preventing central government overreach, specifically by reinstating the senate elections that were stalled and preventing the proposed restructuring of the university's governing bodies. They also demanded the withdrawal of the new "anti-protest" affidavit requirement, to which the administration agreed. Besides, they also list infrastructure development funding, property tax waiver by the municipal corporation, and a declaration of PU as an 'Institute of Eminence' among their demands.