Vice-Chancellor Prof Renu Vig also visited the site and appealed to students to end their agitation, saying their core demands had been met. However, the Morcha had not formally decided to withdraw the protest.

Protesting students said their movement would continue over some pending demands. These include the withdrawal of criminal cases filed against agitators who clashed with Chandigarh Police.

This demand remained unresolved after the central government rolled back its earlier decision to downsize the Senate and abolish much of its election process.

The controversial restructuring move, introduced through four notifications between 30 October and 7 November, was withdrawn within a week following widespread criticism. But the students continued their protests, supported by various political parties, farmers’ unions and the Quami Insaaf Morcha.

On 10 November, a complete shutdown of the university led to chaos not only on campus but across Chandigarh, as protesters broke through the university gates and clashed with the police. The second shutdown, held yesterday, remained peaceful, although the university had to defer some examinations.

Reacting to the announcement, Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal said, “I congratulate all the students, staff, and alumni of Panjab University on their milestone victory in forcing the Government of India to announce the schedule for Senate elections. This victory has been made possible by the strength of unity demonstrated by students through a peaceful democratic struggle.’’

Punjab Congress president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring said it was a victory for students and a victory for democracy “over the dictatorial and authoritarian BJP government at the centre, which wanted to do away with democratic body, the Senate.’’

Senior AAP leader and MP from Anandpur Sahib, Malvinder Singh Kang, said, “Heartfelt congratulations to the resilient students, teachers, faculty, and the indomitable people of Punjab who stood unbreakable in the face of relentless adversity. Better late than never, justice has finally prevailed.

The long-overdue approval of Senate elections at Panjab University marks a resounding victory for the people. This iconic institution is Punjab’s beating heart and eternal soul. The Centre sought to trample its autonomy, but Punjab’s united, uncompromising resistance has triumphed.’’