Lovely Professional University in Punjab’s Phagwara returned to uneasy calm on Monday after a weekend of violent protests which left the varsity defaced. The campus and its surrounding area witnessed violence and arson as students staged a massive agitation over the alleged rape of a student by an outsider.
The protests escalated on Sunday evening when some protesters allegedly pelted police personnel with stones and attacked their vehicles, injuring several cops. Punjab DGP Gaurav Yadav, who visited LPU on the directions of chief minister Bhagwant Mann, warned that those involved in vandalism would face strict action. Many students left for their homes, while anxious parents arrived on campus to take their children back. The university has allowed students to return home after consulting their parents or guardians. Heavy security remained deployed at the university located along the Jalandhar-Phagwara highway. The Punjab State Women Commission has taken suo motu cognisance of the LPU protest, along with a separate incident at Chitkara University in Patiala based on an unverified claim involving the alleged suicide of two female students. It has sought detailed reports, FIRs and information on student safety measures. The LPU violence came a day after protests at Chitkara University, where students allegedly set a police vehicle on fire following claims about two female students dying by suicide on the campus.
LPU suspended classes for 10 days from Monday and postponed midterm examinations indefinitely. Traffic on National Highway-44, which protesting students had blocked for more than 15 hours, was restored, police said.
police said they were analysing CCTV footage to identify the perpetrators While the students blamed the outsiders for the vandalism on the LPU campus. Some objects were also set on fire, according to officials and purported videos of the incident. Those staying on campus have been advised to remain inside their hostels or residences and avoid unnecessary movement or involvement in “unrest activities”.
