The group, accompanied by teaching and non-teaching staff of the varsity, were protesting against the non-disbursement of pension for the last four months.

The rally began around 11 am from Thapar Hall, passed through gate number 1 and culminated at gate number 2, resulting in massive diversion of traffic on the road.

They were raising anti-government slogans.

"Support from PAU Teachers' Union (PAUTA) and PAU Employees' Union has encouraged pensioners to fight against injustice being meted out to them," said Lakhwinder Singh Sandhu, Vice President, PAU Non-Teaching Employees' Union. He added the union would wait for two days before resuming their hunger strike.

The pensioners have been sitting on relay fast since February 22. Dr IK Garg, Convenor, Confederation of PAU Pensioners' Association, said, "We have been running from pillar to post to ensure timely release of pensions but to no avail.

The members of Punjab State Pensioners' Association too have joined the pensioners in their struggle against the varsity. JS Dhillon, president of the association, on behalf of their union offered wholehearted support to the beleaguered pensioners.

Dr IK Garg said it is cruel on the part of government to withhold the dues of pensioners. He added instead of opting for dilly-dallying tactics, the government should act with responsibility.