November 10, 2025 – 04:46 PM IST
Protesters Warn of “Gherao” of Police Stations if Detainees Not Released — Panjab University Bachao Morcha Intensifies
Organisers of the Panjab University Bachao Morcha warned today that protesters will gherao (surround) police stations across Punjab if officers do not release detained demonstrators by the end of the day. The announcement came as the student-led sit-in — which organisers say will continue 24 hours until the PU Senate elections — concluded its scheduled actions for 10 November.
Morcha leaders reiterated that the movement remains peaceful and disciplined, but demanded the immediate release of those detained while travelling to support the morcha. The escalation has prompted increased security monitoring in Chandigarh and border districts of Punjab, while organisers emphasised their intent to press for university autonomy, fair representation and justice through sustained, non-violent pressure.
November 10, 2025 – 04:43 PM IST
Panjab University Administration Fails to Engage with Students; 24-Hour Dharna to Continue Till Senate Elections
Chandigarh, November 10 — The Panjab University administration did not appear to hold talks with students during the ongoing Panjab University Bachao Morcha, sparking renewed determination among protesters. The organisers announced that the sit-in (dharna) will continue 24 hours a day until the Senate elections are held. Despite the administration’s silence, the movement remains peaceful, disciplined, and student-led, focusing on demands for university autonomy, fair representation, and democratic functioning. As the 10th November protest concluded, the organisers reiterated their core demands and vowed to keep the Panjab University Bachao Morcha alive until meaningful dialogue and action are ensured.
November 10, 2025 – 03:10 PM IST
Defying Barricades: Over 10,000 Protesters March Peacefully into Panjab University, Chandigarh
In a remarkable display of determination, more than 10,000 protesters entered the Panjab University (PU) campus after defying multiple stoppages and barricades set up around the Chandigarh borders and PU gates. According to Prof. Pali Bhupinder Singh, a PU teacher and social activist, the protest remained peaceful, disciplined, and well-organised despite the heavy security presence. The gathering, part of the Panjab University Bachao Morcha, marks a historic mobilisation in defence of university autonomy and public education rights. Demonstrators maintained calm as they demanded justice and accountability, showcasing the power of collective, non-violent resistance in Chandigarh’s academic heart.
November 10, 2025 – 03:03 PM IST
Haryana Police caught us inside Punjab and attacked us,” said farmer leader Rajewal.
Speaking at the Panjab University Bachao Morcha, farmer leader Balbir Singh Rajewal alleged that Haryana Police entered Punjab territory and attacked peaceful protestors, intensifying tensions at the border. Addressing a large gathering of students and teachers, Rajewal condemned the government’s high-handed approach towards democratic movements. “We will take Chandigarh too. We have pulled the nail out of Modi’s stronghold,” he declared, evoking loud cheers from the crowd. The statement underscored the farmers’ growing solidarity with the university community, both demanding autonomy and justice. Security measures were heightened around the Punjab–Haryana border and university campus following the rally.
November 10, 2025 – 02:22 PM IST
Congress Leader Pargat Singh speaking from the stage.
November 10, 2025 – 1:46 PM IST
Traffic jam at the Chandigarh–Zirakpur–Mohali border due to barricades.
November 10, 2025 – 1:01 PM IST
Swaran Singh Bhoparai Padama Shree, Kirti Chakra, ex-IAS, Former Secretary to the Union Government, Former Vice-Chancellor of Punjabi University, Patiala, standing in line for the past two hours, finally enters Panjab University.
November 10, 2025 – 12:19 PM IST
The procession entered the campus after removing the barricades at Gate Number 1.
November 10, 2025 – 11:37 AM IST
At the commencement of the stage programme, the students offered a prayer — seeking strength, unity, and the blessings of the Eternal One (Akal Purakh).
Background
On October 28, 2025, the Ministry of Education restructured the Senate and Syndicate, reducing the Senate from 90 to 31 members, making the Syndicate mostly nominated, and abolishing the graduate constituency, stripping students and alumni of their voice. These changes sparked widespread protests, and even after the Ministry withdrew the notification, the university continued without fresh elections, raising serious concerns about accountability, transparency, and trust.
Students said that, combined with stalled elections for four years, undemocratic affidavits limiting student protests, sudden gate closures, declaring holidays instead of addressing the issues, and divisions among students and faculty, leadership has damaged the university’s legacy, unity, and reputation.
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