The North American Punjabi Association (NAPA) Executive Director Satnam Singh Chahal have strongly condemned the reported use of force by the Chandigarh Police against protesting students at Panjab University, who were peacefully demonstrating in support of their democratic rights, including the demand for the restoration of Senate elections and raising concerns about external interference in the university’s autonomous functioning.
In a statement issued today, Satnam Singh Chahal said that universities are meant to be spaces for free thought, open dialogue, and democratic participation. The use of force against students who are exercising their constitutional right to protest sends a disturbing message about the shrinking space for democratic expression. He said it is deeply unfortunate that instead of engaging in constructive dialogue with the student community, the authorities chose a path that escalated tensions and undermined the spirit of democracy within an academic institution.
Chahal further stated that the demand for Senate elections at Panjab University is not merely an administrative issue but a matter of institutional democracy and transparency. Students and faculty have historically played an important role in shaping the governance of universities, and any attempt to dilute that democratic structure or impose external control weakens the academic independence of the institution.
The NAPA Executive Director emphasised that the voices of students must be heard and respected. Suppressing peaceful protests through police action not only harms the reputation of the university but also raises serious concerns about the commitment of authorities to democratic values. Educational institutions should encourage debate and participation rather than silence those who question or challenge administrative decisions.
The North American Punjabi Association urged the concerned authorities and the administration of Panjab University to immediately address the grievances of the students through dialogue and ensure that democratic processes, including the holding of Senate elections, are restored without delay. Chahal also called upon civil society and academic communities to stand in solidarity with students who are peacefully fighting for transparency and democratic governance within their university.
“NAPA stands firmly with the students of Panjab University in their legitimate and democratic struggle,” Chahal added. “The use of force against young voices demanding accountability is unacceptable and must be condemned in the strongest possible terms.”
He concluded by urging the authorities to ensure that such incidents are not repeated and that universities remain places where democratic values, freedom of expression, and student participation are protected and promoted.