Will reconsider holding PU polls if blockade continues, says DSW
2
Chandigarh: A deadlock over police presence inside Panjab University is still on, with no breakthrough in sight. A day after Wednesday's confrontation over police checkpoints, the blockade has not only persisted, but has now extended.
On Thursday night, the blockade was extended to just before the T-point from Gate No 2, forcing anyone entering through that gate to turn left into the residential area to reach the inner campus.
The earlier point, closer to the Administrative Block, were also blocked by protesters, effectively restricting movement in the sector of campus that houses several academic departments.
Despite rain throughout the day, students turned up, some carrying tricolour in hand as the eve of Independence Day added symbolic colour to the sit-in.
Many stayed through passing showers, holding ground at the barricades.
Independence Day celebrations are scheduled for Friday morning at the Parade Ground, located barely a few minutes' walk from the main protest site. Protesters themselves held a meeting Thursday evening to decide their course of action for the event.
As the Parade Ground is readied for flag-hoisting and cultural programmes, the approach roads remain occupied by placards and slogans.
by Taboola
by Taboola
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If the deadlock holds, Panjab University's 78th Independence Day will open to two contrasting scenes — a formal ceremony honouring the nation's freedom and a swelling student blockade a few hundred metres away.
Meanwhile, in a significant development, the Dean of Student Welfare said the ongoing blockade could force the university to speak to Chandigarh Police and reconsider holding student elections, as polls cannot be conducted without police deployment this time. An 11.30 am meeting he called to resolve the standoff was boycotted by all student parties.
He said the police presence was meant solely for students' security, but protesters were creating indiscipline. "If we keep security, they complain; and if something unfortunate happens, we will be blamed," he remarked.
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