Panjab University Students Protest Police Lathicharge at Punjabi University, Intensify Fee Hike Rollback Stir

Chandigarh, August 19, 2026: Students of Panjab University, Chandigarh, staged a protest on Wednesday against the alleged police manhandling and lathicharge of students who took out a march at Punjabi University, Patiala, on August 18.

Students at Punjabi University have been sitting on an indefinite dharna since August 12, demanding the rollback of excessive fee hikes and fulfillment of their basic demands.

According to student representatives, when students attempted to take out a march on August 18, the university administration called Punjab Police onto the campus to prevent them from proceeding. The protesting students allegedly broke through police barricades, following which police personnel manhandled students.

Students further alleged that no women police personnel were present at the spot and that male police personnel misbehaved with female students. Despite the alleged police action, the students continued their march and reached the Vice-Chancellor’s residence. Their protest reportedly compelled the administration to apologise for the police’s conduct.

However, students said that the core issues remain unresolved, particularly the rollback of fee hikes and provision of basic facilities. They accused the administration and governments of attempting to suppress student movements through police action and intimidation.

The Fee Hike Opposition Front formed by Punjabi University students condemned the alleged police repression and announced that the agitation would be intensified until their demands are addressed.

Various student organisations, including PSU (Lalkaar), SFS, AISA, Dialectica Students’ Association and Disha Students’ Organisation, participated in Wednesday’s protest and extended solidarity with the protesting students.