Panjab University Closes Amidst Widespread Protests in Punjab

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Panjab University in Chandigarh will remain shut on November 26 as student groups join forces with farmers, engineers, and government employees in statewide protests across Punjab. The university administration has announced the closure of all teaching and non-teaching departments and offices on campus, citing precautionary measures amid the escalating agitation. In response to the protests, the university has issued a notice to all departments and forwarded it to the Directorate of Public Relations for widespread dissemination. The protests are expected to disrupt normal functioning in Chandigarh and neighboring regions, with various organizations, including farmer unions and employee bodies, gearing up for coordinated demonstrations. The university's decision to close comes as students continue to demand the announcement of long-pending Senate elections. The students aim to reconstitute the 91-member Senate, the highest governing body of Panjab University, which was previously dissolved by the Centre in a notification issued on October 28. Following strong opposition, the Central Government withdrew the notification on November 5, but the student groups have continued their agitation, seeking a formal announcement and the conduct of fresh elections at the earliest. A heavy police force was deployed around the university campus on Tuesday, with barricades set up outside the gates. The protests are part of a larger statewide movement, with multiple groups joining forces to voice their concerns and demands. The university's shutdown is expected to be in place on November 26, with the situation being closely monitored by authorities.