Deepankar Sharda
Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, May 10

A day after Panjab University requested hostellers to vacate their rooms and head to their respective homes amid growing cases of Covid-19, students unwilling to leave the campus protested against the authorities concerned.

Cases have been reported from many hostel buildings and recently a young attendant succumbed to the virus, claimed Panjab University sources. But oblivious to the fact, hostellers continue to protest, they said.

In the evening, during curfew hours, a large number of students protested outside the wardens’ residences.

PU officials said the Chandigarh Police was informed about the incident, but instead of managing the situation, the personnel started questioning the authorities.

“We are complying with the UT Administration’s order but the Chandigarh Police are not helping us,” said an official, requesting anonymity.

“Hundreds of students gathered outside wardens’ homes and continuously rang the doorbell. What kind of a protest is this? The students were furious after the wardens were asked to call their parents,” said the official.

“A number of cases have been reported from hostels. It can be fatal for both students and authorities. Libraries are shut, non-essential shops are closed, classes are being held online, then for what reason students want to stay here?” the official asked.

“The students are mature enough to understand the value of life and the impact this virus is having on people. We will once again approach the UT Administration and again request the students to leave for their respective homes,” the official added.

‘Stop calling parents’

Meanwhile, protesting research scholars submitted a representation to the PU Vice-Chancellor, asking the authorities to stop calling their parents.

“The students/research scholars of PU demand repeal of arbitrary notice/order of vacating hostels. Please don’t call our parents and guides. It’s an unfortunate method used by the PU authorities,” read a letter signed by representatives of various student groups.

“We demand proper access to libraries and labs by strictly following SOPs. If university is to be vacated, then the residential area must be vacated, considering the first step. We request to stop harassing the students,” it added.

SFS, ABVP extend support

Leaving no opportunity to encash the situation, student organisations like SFS and ABVP jumped in support of protesting students.

“From the past few days, students are being harassed constantly. Some of them were made to vacate hostels forcefully. They are being pressurised through their respective guides and phone calls are being made to their homes,” stated an SFS release.

The ABVP activists also justified the protest.

“The administration has pressured and psychologically harassed students to vacate their hostels. In this critical time, students are constantly forced to comply with the orders of their respective hostel wardens and supervisors,” ABVP stated in a release.