Kerala CM urges Centre, state to guarantee safe repatriation of students from violence-hit Punjab university

NEW DELHI, 28 SEPTEMBER 2026 —

Kerala’s Opposition leader Pinarayi Vijayan has demanded urgent intervention from both the Union and state governments to secure the safe return of over 1,500 Malayali students stranded at Lovely Professional University (LPU) in Jalandhar, where violent protests and a 10-day suspension of classes have left students trapped amid allegations of sexual assault and a heavy-handed response from university authorities.

With classes halted since Sunday, the students—many of whom are from Kerala—remain in limbo, with Vijayan warning that ticket shortages and logistical hurdles could delay their return.

Vijayan’s statement, issued on Monday, framed the situation as a test of governance, demanding a transparent investigation into the university’s handling of the protests and the alleged sexual assault. He accused Mittal and the management of attempting to stifle dissent, calling for an uncompromising inquiry into their role in the unrest.

"Justice must be ensured through a comprehensive and transparent investigation," he said, adding that the Union and state governments must coordinate with Railways to arrange special trains or additional coaches to facilitate the students’ safe return to Delhi and then to Kerala.

The protests at LPU began after a female student alleged sexual assault, triggering widespread outrage among students who accused the university of mishandling the complaint and failing to provide a secure environment. The 10-day suspension of classes, announced by the university, has left students without access to academic facilities or basic amenities, while the police deployment has further heightened tensions.

Vijayan’s intervention follows reports that some students have been prevented from leaving the campus, with parents expressing fears over their well-being.

For Kerala, the crisis shows broader concerns over the safety of out-of-state students, particularly in private educational institutions where governance and accountability have frequently come under scrutiny. The state government has yet to issue an official response, but Vijayan’s demand for immediate action reflects growing pressure on authorities to prioritize the students’ repatriation.

Meanwhile, the BJP’s involvement, through Mittal’s leadership of the university, adds a political dimension to the crisis, with Vijayan’s remarks implicitly criticizing the central government’s handling of student welfare.

The immediate challenge lies in logistical coordination, with Vijayan stressing the need for Railway assistance to avoid delays caused by ticket shortages. The Kerala government’s response will be closely watched, as families await clarity on travel arrangements and the university’s next steps. If the protests persist or the investigation into the sexual assault allegations drags on, the situation could further destabilize LPU’s operations, with potential repercussions for its reputation and enrollment numbers.

The crisis at LPU also raises questions about private university governance in India, where allegations of authoritarian management practices and political interference have been raised in the past. Vijayan’s call for a transparent inquiry signals that Kerala may push for a broader review of LPU’s policies, particularly regarding student safety and grievance redressal.

For now, the focus remains on securing the students’ return, but the long-term implications for LPU—and similar institutions—could extend beyond this immediate humanitarian concern.