6 hrs ago
Calm Returns to LPU After Protests, Political Blame Escalates
Lovely Professional University became peaceful again after a serious protest on Sunday.
Students were upset about claims that an outsider raped a female student.
Some buildings and other property were damaged during the protest.
Police said some protesters threw stones at officers and attacked police vehicles.
A highway near the university was blocked for more than 15 hours.
Classes were stopped for 10 days, and many students went home.
The police increased security and began a detailed investigation.
The AAP said police acted carefully, but opposition parties said the government should have handled the situation better.
Calm returned to Lovely Professional University after Sunday’s violent protests, with classes suspended for 10 days and many students leaving campus.
Students protested allegations that an outsider raped a female student, while property was damaged and several police personnel were injured.
Police said protesters attacked officers and vehicles, and National Highway-44 was restored after being blocked for more than 15 hours.
Punjab DGP Gaurav Yadav ordered a comprehensive scientific and technical investigation and said those responsible for vandalism would face action.
The AAP defended the police response, while the BJP, Congress and SAD demanded an independent probe and criticized the Punjab government’s law-and-order record.
- Who
- LPU students, Punjab Police, university officials, the AAP government, and opposition parties including the BJP, Congress and SAD.
- What
- Violent protests over allegations of rape led to property damage, injuries to police personnel, a highway blockade and the suspension of classes.
- Where
- Lovely Professional University in Phagwara, Punjab, along the Jalandhar-Phagwara highway.
- When
- The violence occurred on Sunday; calm returned on Monday, September 28, when classes were suspended for 10 days.
- Why
- Students were protesting allegations involving an outsider and grievances against the university administration; the incident also became a political dispute over police handling and law and order.
AAP and Police Position
Opposition Position
Police handling
AAP and Police Position
The AAP said police acted with restraint and professionalism, while the DGP said officers worked to facilitate dialogue between students and university authorities.
Opposition Position
The BJP, Congress and SAD criticized the government’s law-and-order record and questioned how police handled the violence.
Responsibility for unrest
AAP and Police Position
LPU authorities and several students said outsiders were responsible for the vandalism; police said anyone who damaged property would face action.
Opposition Position
Opposition leaders alleged that outsiders may have been brought in to provoke the agitation and questioned whether the violence was linked to political or personal motives.
Need for an inquiry
AAP and Police Position
Police said a comprehensive scientific and technical investigation was underway and that student grievances were being addressed through discussions with university authorities.
Opposition Position
Congress and other opposition leaders demanded an independent probe, saying the government remained unclear about the cause of the violence.
Key facts
- University
- Lovely Professional University in Phagwara, Punjab
- Class suspension
- Classes were suspended for 10 days and mid-term examinations were postponed until further notice.
- Investigation
- Punjab Police said it was conducting a comprehensive scientific and technical investigation.
- Police response
- DGP Gaurav Yadav said officers facilitated dialogue and that vandals would face action.
- Highway disruption
- Protesting students blocked National Highway-44 for more than 15 hours before traffic was restored.
- Internet services
- Mobile internet services were suspended around LPU on Monday, with officials later saying they would resume.
- Women’s Commission
- The Punjab State Women Commission sought reports on the LPU protest and a separate Chitkara University incident.
Quotes
Bikram Singh Majithia
Akali leader criticizing the Punjab government’s handling of the violence
“At a time when the situation involved students and required sensitivity, some opposition leaders appeared more interested in creating controversy than in allowing the situation to be resolved. They seem to be behaving like vultures, waiting for dead bodies, rather than helping to ensure that the situation remains peaceful.”
theprint.in
“The livelihood of thousands and education of lakhs of students are at stake. Will this attract investment to Punjab? Was this done merely to settle a personal score”
theprint.in
Sources
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