Panjab University abruptly declared a holiday on Tuesday for all teaching and non-teaching departments scheduled for November 26, reversing its earlier stance of maintaining normal operations despite ongoing campus unrest. The decision came after security assessments by Chandigarh Police indicated potential risks from multiple protest gatherings across the city.
Security Concerns Force University Closure
The university's reversal followed a crucial meeting between Chandigarh SSP Kanwardeep Kaur, Registrar YP Verma, DSW Amit Chauhan, senior administrative officials, and representatives of the PU Bachao Morcha. Police authorities advised that simultaneous protest mobilizations could lead to dangerous crowding and security complications, prompting the administration to shut down all campus offices.
In a concerning development, some protesters entered the university premises around 9 pm and closed Gate No. 2, escalating tensions on campus. The late-afternoon circular announcing the closure also confirmed that exams scheduled for Wednesday now stand postponed, adding to the growing list of academic disruptions caused by recent protests.
Administration Capitulates to Student Demands
During the negotiations, the university administration accepted three key demands previously outlined by the PU Bachao Morcha. These include a commitment that no defamatory statements will be issued against protesting students, particularly referencing incidents where administration and Vice Chancellor officials had labeled students as "criminal-minded" in affidavit protests.
Additionally, the university agreed to withdraw FIR actions against 14 students from earlier demonstrations, with the reversal process already underway. The administration also provided written confirmation that the committee examining Haryana's representation claim has been formally dissolved.
Student leaders viewed these developments as evidence that the administration only responds under pressure. Ashmit Singh, vice president of PUCSC, stated, "They kept insisting that nothing would be affected and that campus life would continue normally. Now they have shut down the university themselves. It's evident they only react when directions come from Delhi."
Exam Cycle Under Severe Strain
The sudden closure has further strained the already disrupted examination schedule. Nipun Suri, Department Representative of UILS, revealed that computer application exams were scheduled for Wednesday and that several papers from November 18, 19, and 20 had already been postponed due to earlier protests.
Meanwhile, Chandigarh Police has advised student groups not to escalate their agitation until the end of the week, informing them that the schedule for Senate elections is likely to be released in the coming days. Despite the holiday declaration, the PU Bachao Morcha confirmed that the campus bandh will proceed as planned, with expectations of heavy student and supporter turnout.
Solidarity demonstrations are anticipated from farmers' unions, labor organizations, teachers' bodies, and activist groups from Punjab, all expected to reach Chandigarh in support of the student movement. Shops in Sector 14, particularly near the Student Centre, are likely to remain closed in response to the ongoing protests.
The Morcha's call for a December 3 protest outside BJP offices in Chandigarh remains unchanged. Student leaders have clarified that only the release of the Senate election schedule and written confirmation of accepted demands will determine whether the current agitation pauses.
