Chandigarh:Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Punjab's media in-charge Baltej Singh Pannu said on Monday that the situation at Lovely Professional University (LPU) was very sensitive as it involved students from Punjab, other states and other countries. He claimed that Punjab Police handled the situation with great restraint and professionalism. He said that the government's priority is the safety of every student studying in Punjab and the SIT formed to investigate the matter should be allowed to complete its investigation and bring out the complete facts.
Emphasis on Punjab Education Hub and students' safety
In a press conference, AAP Punjab media in-charge Baltej Pannu said, "Punjab has become an important education hub, where students from all over India and abroad come to study. A large number of students from Jammu and Kashmir, especially girls pursuing nursing and other courses, study in universities and colleges of Punjab. Their safety is very important for us."
Referring to the incidents at LPU and Chittakara University, Baltej Pannu said, "Even when the situation worsened and the highway was blocked, the Punjab Police did not use any additional force on the students. No force like lathi charge or pellet gun was used against them. Instead, they were treated like our own sons and daughters. Although it took some time, the situation was resolved professionally."
DGP visits LPU on the instructions of CM Mann
Media incharge of AAP Punjab said, "Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann asked DGP Gaurav Yadav to go to LPU himself and take stock of the situation. The DGP went to the university and reviewed the situation. Senior police officers were also continuously talking to students and student leaders so that they could understand what had happened and bring the situation under control."
He said the government has formed an SIT to investigate these incidents and find out what actually happened. he adds, "We should let the SIT complete its investigation. Whatever information comes to light, it will be shared with the people through senior officers of Punjab Police and the government. The SIT is investigating the allegations as well as the circumstances of the unrest. It is important that the investigation be allowed to complete its process so that the entire truth can be revealed to the people."
Opposition accused of politicization
Baltej Pannu also strongly criticized the opposition leaders for doing politics on this sensitive issue related to students. He said, “At a time when the situation concerns students and requires sensitivity, some opposition leaders are more interested in creating controversy rather than helping in de-escalating the situation. They are waiting for dead bodies like vultures instead of helping in de-escalating the situation.”
He further said, “They seem to be upset that the situation has come under control and the Punjab government has not treated the students the way it treated the protesters at Jantar Mantar.”
Regarding the video going viral on social media, in which it is claimed that armed outsiders had entered the university, Baltej Pannu said, “Senior police officers have clarified that the people seen in the video were not unknown assailants. The police had taken appropriate steps to remove them till their presence was confirmed.”
Media in-charge of AAP Punjab said, “Our priority is the safety of every student studying in Punjab. Be it from Punjab, any other state or any other country, for us they are our children. Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has made it clear that no mischievous elements will be allowed to spoil the atmosphere of educational institutions of Punjab.”
Hearing of complaints and assurance of action against vandalism
Baltej Pannu said that the government will ensure that the complaints of students are heard and the matter is investigated without any discrimination, but action will be taken as per law against those who cause vandalism and damage to government/private property. He said, "Also, the SIT investigation will bring out the complete facts and fix responsibility on the basis of evidence. For us Punjab comes first, and our students are our children. We will continue to handle this case professionally, let the SIT bring out the full facts and keep Punjabis updated on every update."