Lovely Professional University Suspends Classes Amid Protests

Lovely Professional University (LPU) in Phagwara, Punjab, has announced the suspension of classes for a period of ten days starting from September 28, 2023. This decision follows a series of protests on campus triggered by allegations regarding the rape of a female student by an outsider. Reports indicate that students resorted to violent protests, which included stone-pelting at police personnel and damaging vehicles, resulting in injuries among some law enforcement officers. In response to the unrest, university officials declared that midterm examinations have also been postponed until further notice.

On Sunday evening, a significant police presence, led by Additional Director General of Police M. F. Farooqui, was mobilised to the campus to manage the situation. Police officials confirmed that they had brought the situation under control, with Jalandhar Police Commissioner Satinder Singh noting that traffic on National Highway 44, which was affected by the protests, would soon be restored.

The unrest began earlier in the morning when protesting students obstructed the highway, leading to altercations with police forces. Eyewitness accounts reported students throwing water bottles and engaging in shouting matches before retreating to campus, where they continued to confront police. Videos circulated on social media depicted students damaging property, including window panes and flower pots, while chanting demands for justice.

In light of the intense protests, police have since registered a case of rape against an unidentified individual, responding to complaints lodged by the students. A Special Investigation Team has been established to probe the allegations. However, the university has refuted claims of any rape occurring on campus, indicating that they consider these allegations to be unfounded rumours.

The protests at LPU are part of a wider trend of student activism in the region, following a similar demonstration at Chitkara University in Patiala, where unrest was ignited by unverified reports of two female students' suicides. Such incidents have raised concerns about student safety and the campus environment.

In a striking turn of events during the protests, one student was seen climbing onto a decommissioned MiG-23 aircraft displayed on campus, while others positioned themselves on a military tank, illustrating the heightened tensions among the student body during this episode. The situation at LPU remains under close observation as authorities navigate the implications of the ongoing protests.