LPU protests: Students describe "horrific" scenes as violence erupts on campus; classes suspended, exams postponed
Violent protests at Lovely Professional University lead to arson, vandalism, and heavy police deployment. Classes and exams suspended for 10 days.
Chaos and destruction gripped the Lovely Professional University (LPU) campus in Phagwara, Punjab, as overnight protests regarding an alleged rape incident escalated into widespread violence. Students have described the scenes as "horrific," reporting instances of arson, vandalism, and intense clashes that have forced the university administration to suspend regular classes for 10 days and postpone mid-term examinations indefinitely.
Night of Terror: Arson and Vandalism Reported
The unrest, which reportedly peaked between 10 PM and midnight on Sunday, saw the campus transformed into a battlefield. According to student accounts, the situation turned volatile when a large group of masked individuals from outside the university entered the premises.
The scale of the destruction is significant, with students alleging the following:
- Vandalism of Academic Blocks: The main Computer Science buildings were reportedly vandalized and set on fire.
- Damage to Infrastructure: The admission block was broken, and the University hall was completely destroyed.
- Destruction of Achievements: Students claimed that even trophies won by the university were broken during the ruckus.
- Hostel Security Breaches: One student alleged that individuals entered the girls' hostel carrying knives, adding to the atmosphere of terror.
Students Flee as Safety Concerns Mount
While the campus appeared relatively calm on Monday morning due to a heavy police presence, the psychological impact on the student body has been profound. Many students have chosen to leave for their hometowns, citing safety as their primary concern.
"The scenes last night were horrific. We are now going home; that is a safe option," said student Vishal Kumar, noting that while the protest began peacefully, the arrival of outsiders at night triggered the violence.
Another student, Karan, highlighted the intensity of the crackdown, alleging that police used lathi charges on protesting students before the situation spiraled out of control. He noted that while the police arrived after midnight, the damage to departments and trees had already been done.
University Response and Academic Disruption
In the wake of the violence, the LPU administration has taken immediate steps to manage the crisis and ensure student safety. The following measures have been implemented:
- 10-Day Suspension: Regular classes have been suspended for at least 10 days starting Monday.
- Examination Postponement: All mid-term exams have been put on hold until further notice.
- Safety Advisory: The administration has advised students to remain inside their hostels to avoid confrontations with outsiders or local groups.
Students remain uncertain about the future of their academic calendar. While some hope for a return to normalcy within two weeks, others expressed concern over whether classes will transition to an online format given the extensive damage to the physical classrooms and computer science facilities.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has reportedly ordered strict action regarding the incidents unfolding at the university.