Panjab University in Chandigarh remained closed today after the administration declared a holiday and cancelled all scheduled examinations in response to rising tension on campus. The decision came ahead of a shutdown call issued by members of the Panjab University Bachao Morcha, who have been demanding clarity on the pending Senate election dates.
Security forces were deployed across the campus last night after a series of protests created unrest. Though the situation is currently calm, authorities describe it as a “tense peace,” with students and staff waiting for further developments.
The Panjab University Bachao Morcha is scheduled to meet later this afternoon to finalize its next course of action. Discussions are expected to include the proposal to gherao the BJP’s state office as well as BJP district offices across Punjab. A formal announcement is likely to be made during a press conference at 5 PM today.
Following the meeting, student groups may also declare the date for the planned gherao of the BJP office. Today’s meeting was triggered by the recent protest and follows earlier discussions held with various student and staff organizations. The administration has urged all groups to maintain peace while negotiations continue.
