Lovely Professional University (LPU) has issued a detailed statement following the protests and unrest reported on its campus over the weekend, saying that normalcy has been restored and campus activities are continuing as usual.
LPU Pro-Chancellor Dr. Rashmi Mittal also addressed students after the incidents. She said she wanted to directly communicate with students after meeting some student representatives in her office and described the events of Saturday and Sunday as an “unfortunate thing”.
In her message to students, Dr. Mittal spoke about the relationship between the university and its student community. She said LPU considers its students a family and emphasised the trust the university places in them and their capabilities.
She also said that the bond between the university and its students is special and reiterated the institution’s belief in the competency of its students.
Her address came after a weekend of protests and unrest on the campus following claims and allegations that circulated among students.
In its September 28 statement, LPU said the campus is safe and that regular activities have returned to normal.
The university said a joint meeting was held after normalcy was restored. The meeting included representatives of the university administration, civil and police administration, and students.
According to LPU, the student representatives who attended the meeting were of the view that the unrest was primarily caused by outsiders who allegedly entered the campus unlawfully with the intention of disrupting peace.
LPU said the matter is being looked into and that appropriate action would be taken according to law.
LPU also addressed the information that had circulated on social media during the unrest.
The university said it had reviewed and verified the information circulating online and strongly rejected what it described as “baseless and false claims”.
It appealed to students, parents and the wider public to rely on verified information instead of social media content that has not been confirmed.
LPU further said that the situation had involved heightened emotions and alleged that certain “anti-social elements” attempted to exploit the situation, leading to disruption and damage to university property.
The university said such conduct had no place on its campus and expressed confidence that action would be taken against the alleged outside infiltrators in accordance with law.
The university also pointed to the response of its larger student community following the unrest.
According to LPU, several students themselves came forward on social media and while speaking to the media to reject what the university described as false claims.
LPU said it viewed this response as showing the maturity and responsibility of the majority of its students, as well as their trust in the university.
The institution also appealed to media organisations to independently verify information before publishing or broadcasting it, particularly material related to student safety.
It said that unverified claims, videos or information could create unnecessary anxiety among students and their families.
In its statement, LPU said that for more than 25 years, the well-being, aspirations and future of its students have remained central to its institutional purpose.
The university said it currently has students from across India and around 50 countries and that protecting their safety, dignity and well-being remains its “foremost responsibility”.
LPU said its relationship with students, parents, alumni and the wider community extends beyond the university campus and is based on trust.
The university concluded by saying that it remains focused on the well-being and future of its students following the events of the past few days.
