Kerala seeks safe passage for 1,500 students stranded at troubled Punjab university

Pinarayi Vijayan, Kerala's Opposition leader, has urged the Union and State governments to intervene urgently in securing the safe passage of more than 1,500 Keralite students from Lovely Professional University (LPU) in Jalandhar back to their home state. The students remain stranded at the Punjab campus following violent protests and a 10-day class suspension triggered by allegations of sexual assault.

The situation at the private university has deteriorated significantly, with campus unrest disrupting academic activities and leaving hundreds of students from Kerala unable to return home. Vijayan emphasised that both the central and state administrations must coordinate to ensure secure travel arrangements for the affected students, first to Delhi and subsequently to Kerala.

LPU, located in Punjab's Jalandhar district, is home to a substantial student population from Kerala. The suspension of classes comes amid heightened tensions on campus, where allegations of sexual misconduct have sparked widespread student protests and administrative action.

The appeal underscores growing concerns about student safety at the institution and highlights the need for coordinated governmental response to facilitate the return of stranded youth. Both governments have been called upon to prioritize the welfare and security of the students during their journey back home.