Students at the Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI) in Kolkata are protesting by staging an indefinite sit-in on campus. They allege that the institute administration has denied them access to basic facilities such as the mess, gym, and music room, aiming to stop their agitation. The protest has entered its 25th day as students demand better campus security and accountability following violent incidents.
- Students claim the mess has been closed since October 17.
- Access to the gym, music room, and film viewing area has been restricted.
- Students refuse to vacate hostels despite suspension of academic activities.
- Protest began after violent clashes on September 27 during an event linked to the RSS.
- Students demand investigation, action against perpetrators, and resignation of the Vice-Chancellor.
Why are SRFTI students protesting?
The protest started after violent clashes on September 27 during an event organized by the Akhil Bharatiya Grahak Panchayat (ABGP), described by students as an RSS-linked group. Students raised concerns about campus security and demanded a written assurance, an independent investigation, and action against those involved in the violence. Despite suspension of academic activities and orders to vacate hostels, students continue their sit-in and academic boycott.
What basic facilities have been denied to students?
According to the students, the institute mess has been closed since October 17. They also report restricted access to the gym, music room, and the New CRT, a space where students watch films. Additionally, students allege that the administration has prevented them from using a nearby washroom in the academic building. These actions are seen by students as collective punishment aimed at ending their protest.
How has the administration responded to the protest?
The SRFTI administration suspended regular academic activities in the Film and Electronic and Digital Marketing departments until November 13. They asked students to leave hostels and vacate the premises within 24 hours. The administration also suspended six students on disciplinary grounds for alleged attacks on faculty and security personnel and for writing obscene graffiti. An official accused some protesting students of overstaying in hostels and preventing junior students from attending classes.
What are the students' demands?
The students demand campus security improvements, accountability for the violent incidents, withdrawal of disciplinary notices against protesting students, and the resignation of Vice-Chancellor Santosh Ajmera. They have stated that their agitation will continue until these demands are met.
What impact does the protest have on the campus community?
About 150 students, many from outside West Bengal, live on or near the campus. The students' union spokesperson warned that any retaliatory actions by the administration could inconvenience these students. The ongoing protest has led to suspended academic activities and restricted access to facilities, affecting the daily lives of students.
