What began as a student protest over governance reforms at Panjab University (PU) has evolved into a debate over the university’s identity and historical roots, with students from Punjab and Haryana expressing divergent views.

Punjab Students Emphasize Historical Roots

During Monday’s large-scale campus shutdown, Punjab-based groups highlighted PU’s origins in undivided Punjab and its historical ties to Chandigarh. Slogans such as:

• “Mithi dhun rabab di, PU Punjab di”

• “Khideya phull gulab da, Chandigarh Punjab da”

gained visibility on banners and posters across the campus.

Raman, leader of PU Bachao Morcha and a member of the Student Front, stated:

“We have nothing against Haryana, but the roots of this university and the city are from Punjab. This is a historical fact.”

Supporters argue that these claims reflect pre-1966 history, when Chandigarh was built on land from Punjab villages.

Haryana Students Push Back

Many Haryana-domicile students voiced concern that the protest, initially about Senate reforms, was being overshadowed by regional and identity narratives. On Sunday, several Haryana students raised their objections on social media, urging the movement not to become a Punjab vs Haryana debate.

Two PUCSC office-bearers from Haryana, previously active in the movement, stayed largely off-stage on Monday.

During a coordination meeting, internal disagreements surfaced. PUCSC joint secretary Mohit Manderna reportedly debated with other leaders over the slogans and narratives being promoted.

Appeals for Fair Representation

On stage, former student leader and INSO activist Puneet Masitan emphasized:

“Haryana should also get its share in the Senate. This must not turn into a Punjab-Haryana conflict.”

A formal statement from Haryana-domicile students and PU alumni, released Sunday night, condemned claims that PU belongs exclusively to Punjab. It highlighted:

• PU’s pre-reorganisation jurisdiction over Haryana districts

• Its location in the joint capital of Chandigarh

• Haryana’s equal historical, academic, and moral stake

The statement urged the Central government to ensure fair representation for Haryana in any structural reforms at the university.

Campus Tensions Continue

With both sides citing history to support their claims, the debate at PU reflects broader regional sentiments and identity politics. Students remain caught between immediate campus demands and decades-old territorial claims, making the protest a complex mix of academic reform and regional pride.