The treatment of Sikh student organisations at Panjab University, Chandigarh, has once again come under scrutiny following a series of controversies that have sparked debate over freedom of expression, religious identity and the democratic rights of students on campus. Members of Sikh student groups have alleged that they are being unfairly targeted, harassed and prevented from peacefully raising issues concerning Sikh history, identity and community interests.
One of the most significant flashpoints occurred in March 2026, when Sikh-oriented student organisations protested a university lecture on Sikh history that featured speakers associated with the RSS and BJP. The protesters argued that the event attempted to present Sikh history through an ideological lens they opposed. During the demonstration, Chandigarh Police detained several students after they raised slogans against the programme, leading to widespread criticism from Sikh organisations.
Following the incident, Sikh student organisations alleged that protesters were manhandled and that the turbans and Sikh articles of faith (Kakars) of some students were disrespected during the police action. University authorities stated that the detentions were preventive measures intended to maintain order on campus, while student groups maintained that peaceful dissent was being suppressed.
The controversy drew a strong response from the Acting Jathedar of the Akal Takht Sahib, Giani Kuldip Singh Gargajj, who condemned the alleged high-handedness against Sikh students. He called for strict action against those responsible if the allegations of disrespect towards Sikh religious symbols were found to be true, and emphasized that students have a democratic right to express their concerns peacefully.
Concerns have also been raised over issues affecting Punjabi language and Sikh identity on campus. Earlier this year, Sikh student organisation SATH protested after Punjabi was omitted from newly installed university signboards. The students argued that excluding Punjabi from a university closely associated with Punjab’s heritage undermined the institution’s cultural identity, while critics of the protest objected to the methods used during the demonstration.
More recently, a coalition of student organisations, including Sikh student groups, objected to another university event featuring speakers linked to organisations associated with the RSS, alleging an attempt to promote a particular political ideology on campus. The university has presented the event as an academic programme, while protesting organisations argue that educational institutions should remain politically neutral and inclusive.
The repeated confrontations have intensified concerns among Sikh student organisations, which say they face discrimination whenever they raise issues related to Sikh identity, language or history. At the same time, university authorities have maintained that administrative decisions and security measures are intended to ensure peace and normal functioning on campus.
The ongoing controversies have highlighted broader questions about freedom of expression, the protection of religious identity, and the role of universities as spaces for open debate. Many observers believe that transparent dialogue between the university administration and student organisations will be essential to prevent further confrontation and restore trust on campus.
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