A tense atmosphere gripped Panjab University on Monday as two student-led movements collided, sparking a day of intense agitation on campus. The ongoing hunger strike against the controversial anti-protest affidavit, now in its sixth day, was joined by a parallel protest against the recent restructuring of the university Senate.
Abhishek Dagar, the general secretary of PUCSC, continued his indefinite hunger strike outside the Vice Chancellor's office, refusing food to protest the mandatory affidavit imposed on students during admission. This affidavit, students argue, restricts their right to dissent by requiring prior permission for protests, limiting demonstrations to a designated area, and imposing disciplinary penalties for violations, including cancellation of admission and a ban on campus entry.
"This affidavit is an authoritarian attempt to silence students," Dagar stated, emphasizing his determination to continue his fast until the university rescinds the undertaking.
Adding fuel to the fire, student organizations, including SFS, PSU Lalkaar, and others, marched towards Gate No. 2 in the afternoon and forcibly shut it down. The agitation, which began on November 1, escalated today as protests over the Senate issue transformed into a campus blockade. Students believe this change undermines the university's autonomy and heritage, dismantling a democratic governance model that has been in place for nearly six decades. They allege that the abolition of the graduate constituency and the reduction of elected seats amounts to institutional disenfranchisement, turning PU into a top-down-run university, they say.
Deepender Singh Hooda, the Rohtak MP, visited the campus in the afternoon to express solidarity with the students. He met with Dagar and later held discussions with the Vice Chancellor regarding both the affidavit and the Senate controversy. Shiromani Akali Dal leader Prem Singh Chandumajra and BSP Punjab president Avtar Singh Karimpuri also joined the protest site, voicing their support for the students and condemning the restrictions on protests and the dismantling of elected bodies.
When Chandigarh Police and PU security attempted to remove Dagar from the protest site on Sunday night, hundreds of students and supporters rallied behind him, preventing the authorities from carrying out their plans. Despite the heavy police presence near the administrative block and campus gates, no major law-and-order incidents were reported.
As the sun set, Gate No. 2 was reopened, allowing movement but not easing the tension. Dagar remained surrounded by classmates and alumni, who called for student unity and administrative accountability. "This is about ensuring a bright future for generations to come at PU," Dagar said.
The university administration has yet to address the key demands, but sources indicate that internal discussions may soon take place in response to the growing political attention and the prolonged hunger strike. Students, meanwhile, remain steadfast in their resolve.
