Punjab Newsline | Phagwara
Tension escalated at Lovely Professional University (LPU) in Phagwara after rumours of alleged sexual harassment triggered an intense protest by students. A large number of students gathered on the campus, raising slogans of “We Want Justice” and demanding that the matter be investigated.
The protest soon turned violent, with incidents of vandalism and arson reported from different parts of the university campus. Students also blocked the National Highway, disrupting traffic in and around Phagwara.
Several videos circulating on social media show students climbing on top of a MiG-23 fighter aircraft and a military tank displayed on the university campus. The visuals have attracted widespread attention as students were seen gathering around the displays during the protest.
Footage from the campus shows groups of students participating in the demonstration and raising slogans demanding justice. In other videos, broken windowpanes, damaged flower pots and scattered objects can be seen across parts of the campus. Some sections of the university premises and other objects were also reportedly set on fire during the unrest.
Several shops located inside the campus were also reportedly vandalised. The incidents have raised concerns over the safety and security of students, staff and property as the protest intensified.
The unrest reportedly began after rumours and claims related to alleged sexual harassment started circulating among students and on social media. However, the university administration has denied the rumours and said that some information being circulated through social media and other platforms is misleading.
Police have launched an investigation into the circumstances that led to the protest. A team comprising five students has reportedly been included in the investigation process. Authorities are also examining how the rumours originated and how the protest escalated into incidents of vandalism and arson.
The National Highway blockade caused disruption to traffic, with commuters facing difficulties as the protest continued. Police and administrative authorities are monitoring the situation and examining videos and other available evidence to identify those involved in the incidents.
The police investigation is expected to establish the sequence of events and determine the facts surrounding the allegations and the subsequent protest. Authorities are also attempting to prevent further escalation on the university campus.
The incident has once again highlighted how unverified information circulating on social media can rapidly trigger tensions and large-scale protests. For now, the exact circumstances behind the allegations and the subsequent violence will become clearer as the police investigation progresses.
