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By Vibha Singh/Thenewsdose.com
Chandigarh: The Panjab University (PU) campus in Chandigarh on Tuesday bore the look of a farmers’ protest site rather than an academic institution — with tractors parked at the gates, chulhas burning for tea, langar vans from nearby gurdwaras, and banners fluttering across the lawns near the offices of the Vice-Chancellor and Dean of Students’ Welfare.

The protests, led by the ‘Panjab University Bachao Morcha’, have brought together several student organisations of PU along with farmers’ unions from across Punjab, including members of the Samyukta Kisan Morcha, Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee, and Bharatiya Kisan Union. The show of solidarity from farmers has given the agitation fresh momentum and a distinctly Punjab-style flavour.

At the heart of the protest is the students’ demand for the immediate announcement of the long-pending Senate elections, which they say are essential to preserve the democratic fabric of the university. The protesters have called for a “PU Bandh” until the election schedule is made public.

Campus Under Siege

On Monday and Tuesday, vehicular movement near the PU campus and adjoining areas of Mohali and Sector 14 was severely disrupted, as long queues of tractors, buses, and vehicles created traffic chaos at multiple entry points into Chandigarh.

There was heavy police deployment both on the campus and near its main gates. Students alleged that they were being stopped from entering the university despite valid identity cards — a move they called “undemocratic” and “an attempt to silence student voices.”

Tensions flared earlier in the day when protesters broke barricades at Gate No. 1, scaled the university gates, and clashed briefly with the police. The air rang with slogans of “Go Back, Chandigarh Police”. Multiple checkpoints and barricades were set up around the campus, and buses were deployed for crowd control.

Voices of Resistance

“Don’t sell this university — education should not become a privilege of the rich,” said Upkar Singh, who arrived with a group of 30 farmers from Mansa. “We are here to support the students. PU has produced generations of leaders and thinkers. It must remain accessible and democratic.”

Jyoti, a BA student from MCM DAV College, said her parents also studied at PU. “We have an emotional bond with this university. Why are our voices being suppressed? Why are the authorities afraid of elections?” she asked.

According to members of the Students’ Council, nearly 8,000 protesters gathered on campus on Monday, with tents, generators, loudspeakers, and food stalls set up for a long haul.

Ishan, an engineering student, said the agitation was not just about elections but about the larger issue of democracy on campus. “The Senate ensures checks, balances, and representation. Without it, decisions become arbitrary,” he said.

Leaders and Supporters Visit Protest Site

Several prominent personalities, including Dr Amar Singh, Pawan Kumar Bansal, Dr Dharamvira Gandhi, Rana Gurjeet Singh, Partap Singh Bajwa, and Dalvir Singh Goldy, visited the protest site to express solidarity with the students.

Harkirat, a B.Ed student from Mansa, said she came to support the movement because “education thrives on debate, not diktats.” She added, “If the Senate functions, our syllabus and policies stay relevant. Without it, we’ll have to accept whatever is imposed on us.”

Langar Spirit at Protest

From early morning, chulhas burned near the Vice-Chancellor’s office, as volunteers prepared tea and snacks. “We have enough water, milk, biscuits, and tea leaves — people from all walks of life are contributing,” said a PU research scholar from Ropar.

A van from Gurdwara Amb Sahib in Mohali’s Phase 8 served dal and rotis throughout the day, with volunteers even inviting police personnel to share the meal. “They are doing their duty. Langar is for everyone,” said Karam Singh, one of the organisers.

“Save PU, Save Senate”

Posters bearing slogans such as “Save PU, Save Senate” and “Democracy is Our Right” were seen across campus walls and gates.

Saravjot Dhindsa, a former PU student, recalled an earlier victory when a student-led agitation had forced the rollback of a proposed fee hike. “The Senate is the soul of this university. It represents students, faculty, and public opinion. This movement is not political; it’s about preserving an institution’s spirit,” he said.

Narvikar Singh of BKU (Dakonda) said he salutes the students for their courage. “Our elders gave land for this university. We will not let it be destroyed by those trying to impose their ideology. This is about protecting Punjab’s intellectual and cultural legacy,” he said.

As dusk settled over the protest tents and langar fires, one student smiled and said, “This is just the beginning.”