Chandigarh: Heavy police deployment was made in and around the Panjab University campus on Monday as students pressed for the announcement of long-pending Senate elections and called for a “university shutdown.”

Students under the banner of 'Panjab University Bachao Morcha' have been protesting against the Centre's now-withdrawn decision to restructure the university's Senate and Syndicate. The Ministry of Education had on November 7 rescinded its October 28 order that sought to reconstitute the two bodies.

Despite the rollback, students continued their agitation, demanding immediate announcement of the Senate poll schedule, which has been pending for over a year. Barricades and checkpoints were set up at campus entry points and nearby roads, with security forces also stationed along the Chandigarh-Mohali border.

Panjab University Campus Students Council vice-president Ashmeet Singh said preparations were in place for a peaceful protest, alleging that several students were denied entry. The university has declared holidays for Monday and Tuesday, restricting access to those with valid ID cards.

Leaders from the AAP, Congress, Shiromani Akali Dal, and farmers' bodies have expressed support for the students.