Education Desk
Chandigarh,
Journalist Sandeep Dhand
10 November 2025
Tension gripped Panjab University from early Monday morning as protests intensified demanding the release of the notification for Senate elections. The campus was turned into a police-controlled zone, with heavy security deployment to manage the “PU Bandh” call given by students and supporters.
Additional police forces were called in to control the growing crowd, and joint operations were carried out with support from different security units. All roads leading to the university were placed under strict surveillance, and the main gates were sealed with heavy barricading and parked buses. Only Gate No. 1 remained partially open for essential movement, while residents within the campus were advised to remain indoors.
Tensions rose further when groups of farmers heading towards Chandigarh to support the protest were stopped near the city’s entry points. A confrontation took place between the police and farmers, who eventually broke through the barricades and continued their march towards the university on foot.
A stage was set up near the Vice-Chancellor’s office area, where protest leaders continued to address the gathering. The demonstration received wide support from various farmer organizations, student groups, and social bodies.
During the protest, several participants were detained and taken away by the police. Senior officials at the site stated that students were free to enter the campus, but entry for outsiders would only be allowed with proper permission to ensure safety.
Student representatives declared that the protest would continue until the university administration officially announces the schedule for the Senate elections. They maintained that all preparations for a peaceful demonstration had been made, and the agitation would remain non-violent.
Strict barricading remained in place at all Chandigarh entry points to prevent outside groups from joining the protest. At one of the entry checkpoints near Mohali, a large number of protestors staged a sit-in and raised slogans against the restrictions placed on their movement. They later set up a temporary stage and delivered speeches criticizing administrative actions.
In another incident, individuals carrying community food for the protestors were initially stopped by police but were later allowed to proceed through alternative routes after discussions. A few senior personalities arriving to support the protest were also taken into custody for security reasons.
By Monday afternoon, a heavy police presence continued inside and around the campus. Authorities kept a close watch on the situation, while protestors remained firm that their movement would continue peacefully until the Senate election notification was officially issued.