Panjab University in Chandigarh witnessed unprecedented security deployment on Wednesday as authorities prepared for potential unrest, though planned protests were significantly scaled down after the university declared a holiday and postponed examinations.
Massive Security Presence Across Campus
More than 300 security personnel from multiple forces including Chandigarh Police, Rapid Action Force (RAF), and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) were stationed at key locations throughout the university campus. The security measures included tightly managed entrances with additional barricades at Gate No. 2 and a strategic 'naka' established near the administrative block, which had been the focal point of earlier protests this month.
Despite the heavy security presence, the day remained peaceful with academic blocks, administrative offices, canteens, and the Student Centre all shut down. Movement on campus was closely regulated by security forces who maintained a visible presence throughout the day.
Protest Plans Dramatically Scaled Down
The PU Bachao Morcha had initially announced a complete university shutdown, but following successful negotiations on Tuesday evening, the protest was reduced to a gathering after the university administration declared a holiday and postponed scheduled examinations. Student leaders, representing various campus groups, joined forces with farmer unions and social organizations to address participants at the protest site outside the Vice Chancellor's office.
A morcha member expressed surprise at the turnout, noting that "We had planned for around 500 participants throughout the day with langar arrangements, but more than 1,000 people came." The gathering included farmers who had previously assembled at Sector 43 to mark the fifth anniversary of the 'Delhi Chalo' march.
Precautionary Measures and Future Security
University officials described the security posture as purely precautionary. PU chief of university security Vikram Singh explained that security forces remained on standby despite the reduced agitation plan. "Even though protesters called off the shutdown after the holiday and exam postponement, we had to remain prepared for any situation," Singh stated.
With Wednesday's examinations now postponed and the morcha announcing its intention to maintain peaceful protests until December 2, security officials indicated that checkpoints and security measures would continue in some form until the next scheduled announcement from protest leaders. The university administration continues to monitor the situation closely while maintaining dialogue with student representatives.
