FATEHGARH SAHIB: Punjab chief minister Parkash Singh Badal on Monday faced protest by Human right activists near Jyoti Sarup Gurdwara here on after the foundation stone laying of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib World University (SGGSWU).

The protesters led by Justice (retd) Ajit Singh Bains were trying to stop the convoy of Badal to mark protest against the Varsity vice chancellor and Trust Secretary Jasbir Singh Ahluwalia.

Human Rights activists led by Justice (retd) Ajit Singh Bains held out placards outside the venue of the World University, raising objections on the appointment of Ahluwalia, who, they alleged, was facing criminal charges of murder and sexual harassment against him. Ahluwalia was earlier unceremoniouly removed as VC of Punjab University, Patiala, in April 2002.

The protesters including girls have said that how could the future of young girls be secure when such a person was appointed a vice chancellor of a religious university.

Gunish Kaur, Another protester, said, "we the girls would not feel safe with such persons at the top of the religious university".

Earlier Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal defended Ahluwalia and said that no charge was proved against him in any court of law and such charges can be leveled against anyone.

The protesters distributed a copy of order by the then Chancellor of the University and governor of Punjab Lt. Gen J. F.R. Jacob for removing Dr. ahluwalia from the post of vice chancellor. 

Meanwhile, Saru Rana, a former student of Punjabi University who has leveled serious allegations of sexual harassment against Ahluwalia, alleged that she and her family were prevented by some unknown persons at her Phase VII Mohali residence from joining the protest against Ahluwalia.

"Around 10-15 persons threatened us with dire consequences in case we joined the protest and literally kept us under house arrest for a few hours since morning. I and my family are in a state of shock and do not know what to do".