Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann raised a sharp objection at the Northern Zonal Council meeting chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah. He said Haryana and Himachal Pradesh were pushing for an unfair role in Panjab University’s Senate. Mann stressed that PU has always been Punjab’s university and its governance must stay unchanged.
He urged the Centre to end all uncertainty after withdrawing the October 30 notification. Mann said Punjab needed a clear commitment that no hidden attempts would weaken its constitutional authority. He also warned that any unclear move could spark stronger resistance.
Meanwhile, the protest at Panjab University crossed 18 days. Students continued their dharna outside the Vice-Chancellor’s office with full strength. The agitation grew after The Tribune’s November 1 report exposed major issues with the proposed restructuring plan. The Centre later withdrew four notifications issued between October 30 and November 7. Students called this a partial victory but said the fight was far from over.
Leaders of the PU Bachao Morcha met farmer unions, civil society groups, political fronts, and youth organisations. They prepared for the all-party meeting on November 20. Morcha leader Avtar Singh said the new FIR against students looked like intimidation. He warned that such actions would only increase the movement’s energy.
Students refused to return to classes or appear for exams. They said the Vice-Chancellor’s committee failed to address even one major demand. Many described the dharna site as a space of solidarity, especially with gurdwaras and village groups offering round-the-clock langar.
Footfall at the protest site kept rising each day. Students said they would continue until the university announced the Senate election schedule and restored full transparency. They also vowed to resist any attempt that undermines PU’s autonomy or Punjab’s role.
