Leaders of the PU Bachao Morcha, leading the protest, emphasized that the current movement “is not about determining any state’s stake or share.”
The Panjab University (PU) campus became a representation of local divisions, as opinions from Punjab, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh started to collide regarding the institution’s ownership — while the students’ ongoing protest marked its 12th day today.
Haryana and Himachal students are insisting on their “rightful share” in the 142-year-old institution, while voices from Punjab refer to it as “Punjab’s emotional heritage.” Leaders of the PU Bachao Morcha, leading the protest, emphasized that the current movement “is not about determining any state’s stake or share.”
“This concerns democracy, not geography,” stated Avtar Singh (SOPU). “Our struggle aims to reinstate the pre-October 30 framework, conduct the overdue Senate elections, and dismiss the legal charges against students, rather than to fragment PU by state boundaries.”
The indefinite dharna commenced on November 1 — the same day The Tribune unveiled the PU reform story that sparked a political uproar in Punjab and Chandigarh. Despite the Centre’s reversal, which included four notifications in a week (October 30-November 7) to fully rescind the contentious restructuring plan, students stand resolute: No withdrawal until the Senate election schedule is officially announced.
On Wednesday, the PU Vice-Chancellor, Prof Renu Vig, and Chandigarh SSP Kanwardeep Kaur individually engaged with the protesters, but attempts to resolve the situation were unsuccessful.
In the meeting, students reiterated their list of demands —prompt notification for Senate polls under the pre-October 30 framework, withdrawal of FIRs against 14 students, and cancellation of administrative SOPs established without student input.
Professor Vig notified the students that the initial Senate poll timetable was sent to Vice-President and PU Chancellor CP Radhakrishnan for his consent. “The University cherishes democratic expression and will treat all genuine inquiries with empathy,” she remarked.
The SSP warned that although peaceful protests will be allowed, “any unlawful activities will be dealt with strictly in accordance with the law.” Students conveyed that they would remain composed yet “resolved.”
Tensions escalated as a group of students and alumni from Haryana rallied against remarks made by specific organizations from Punjab during the protest claiming that “PU is for Punjab.” They accused groups from Punjab of “hijacking” the movement and announced their retraction of support.
“PU was established in Lahore in 1882, long before Partition.” It was a unified university for the undivided Punjab, which encompassed Haryana before 1966. “Mohit Manderna, joint secretary of PUCSC, said, ‘We urge for Haryana’s share and affiliation rights,’ while distancing himself from the protest.”
Likewise, some students and graduates from Himachal Pradesh began insisting on their state’s “proper representation” in PU.
The PU Bachao Morcha rejected these inter-state claims, highlighting that “the movement is exclusively aimed at safeguarding the Senate and restoring PU’s democratic principles.”
