Restricted entry in PU a sham by Archit Watts
Chandigarh, August 29Notwithstanding the tall claims of the Panjab University authorities and the police on beefing up the security on the campus entry gates, getting into the compound remains easy.
While checks are being conducted at the main entry gates (1, 2 and 3), they appear to be more of a formality and lack seriousness most of the times as hardly anyone bothers to check identity cards or the antecedents of the visitors. No records are being maintained and anyone can get inside the campus by merely saying “staff” or even “hosteller”.
In addition to this laxity, there are several other entry points to the campus that are unmanned. While makeshift guard huts exist at these points, opposite Sector 15 on the main road and both gurdwara and temple’s entrance gates, which open towards Dhanas road, are unmanned, providing easy access to the campus.
Notwithstanding the intentions of the police and PU authorities to ensure a violence-free polls, such unrestricted access to the campus, particularly in the backdrop of the recent clashes in which even fire arms were used, can be misused by those wanting to foment trouble.
Giving reasons, Dean, Students’ Welfare, Naval Kishore, said, “We have deployed security persons everywhere, but if anyone is not doing his job properly, stern action will be taken against him.”

Published in Chandigarh Tribune on August 30, 2009