(Source: ECI/ABP News)
Massive Protests At Panjab University Over Senate Elections Demand; Police Lathi Charge Students
Heavy police deployment continues around the campus after clashes broke out between students and security personnel during the protests at Panjab University.
A massive protest is underway at Panjab University in Chandigarh, as students have gathered to demand the conduct of senate elections. Police resorted to lathi charge to disperse protesting students after clashes broke out between students and security personnel.
The protest was held under the banner of ‘Panjab University Bachao Morcha,' with demanding the announcement of long-pending Senate elections. Heavy police deployment continues around the campus due to the tense situation.
VIDEO | Chandigarh: Police resort to lathicharge to disperse protesting students at Panjab University who were demanding the conduct of senate elections.
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) November 10, 2025
Heavy police deployment continues around the campus after clashes broke out between students and security personnel.… pic.twitter.com/oIRQhd4Qwa
The demonstration came even after the Centre’s recent decision to withdraw its controversial order restructuring the university’s governing bodies. Students have vowed to continue their protest until the poll schedule is officially announced.
Why The Students Are Protesting?
The agitation stems from the Centre’s October 28 directive, which sought to amend the Panjab University Act, 1947. The move had reduced the Senate’s strength from 91 to 31 members and eliminated elections for the Syndicate, the university’s executive body.
Following backlash from political leaders, student bodies, and faculty, the Ministry of Education rescinded the order on November 7. However, protesters say their key demand, holding the overdue Senate polls, remains unaddressed.
Campus Turns Fortress, Holidays Announced
Security remained tight across the university as authorities braced for the “university shutdown” call given by protesting students. Barricades were placed at all main entry points, and police checkpoints were set up across adjoining roads. Additional forces were stationed at the Chandigarh-Mohali border to prevent escalation.
According to Panjab University Campus Students Council (PUCSC) vice-president Ashmeet Singh, all arrangements were in place for a peaceful demonstration. He alleged, however, that several students were being stopped from entering the campus.
University authorities declared holidays on Monday and Tuesday as a precautionary measure. Entry to the campus was strictly limited to individuals carrying valid university ID cards.
Student leader Abhishek Dagar said the protest would remain peaceful but would continue until an official election schedule is announced.
Political Leaders Extend Support
The students’ movement has drawn support from a wide political spectrum, including parties across Punjab’s ruling and opposition benches.
Among those who expressed solidarity are Punjab Cabinet minister Gurmeet Singh Khuddian, Leader of Opposition and Congress leader Partap Singh Bajwa, Congress MPs Dharamvira Gandhi and Amar Singh, MLA Rana Gurjeet Singh, and former Union minister Pawan Kumar Bansal. Artists and representatives of farmers’ bodies have also voiced support.
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