Chandigarh, November 10, 2025 – Approximately 5,000 protesters breached police barricades and entered Panjab University today, escalating an already tense situation on the campus. The demonstrators are demanding the announcement of a schedule for long-pending Senate elections.
The protests, led by the 'Panjab University Bachao Morcha,' have been ongoing for several days. The immediate trigger was the now-withdrawn decision by the central government to restructure the university's governing bodies, the Senate and Syndicate. A notification issued on October 28, 2025, sought to amend the Panjab University Act of 1947, reducing the size of the Senate from 91 to 31 members and eliminating elections for the Syndicate.
The central government rescinded the notification on November 7, 2025, but protesters are continuing their agitation until the Senate elections are scheduled. The protesters view the central government's actions as an assault on the university's autonomy and a threat to federalism and Punjab's claim over Chandigarh.
Today's events saw protesters clashing with police personnel, breaking through barricades, and scaling entry gates to access the campus. Some reports indicate a mild lathicharge was used by the police in an attempt to control the crowd. The Inspector General (IG) and Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) were present on the campus as the situation unfolded. The protests have caused significant disruption, with major connecting roads sealed and traffic jams stretching for kilometers, effectively cutting off Mohali from Chandigarh.
The university has announced a two-day holiday on November 10 and 11 in response to the ongoing unrest. Entry to the campus is restricted to those with official work, and IDs are being checked at the gates.
Support for the protesting students has grown, drawing in farmer leaders, activists from Sikh organizations, and leaders from various political parties, including the Aam Aadmi Party, Congress, and Shiromani Akali Dal. Food 'langars' are being organized to sustain the sit-in.
The situation remains tense, with protesters vowing to continue their agitation until their demands are met. SSP Chandigarh Police has indicated plans to deploy reserve forces to maintain order.
