Students at the Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI) have been protesting since late September due to ongoing campus violence. They began an indefinite sit-in on September 28, which entered its fourth day by October 14. The students are calling for the resignation of Vice Chancellor Santosh Ajmera and demand an independent investigation into the incidents of violence. They have also requested the revocation of disciplinary notices issued against some students.
- SRFTI students have suspended classes and are holding an indefinite sit-in since September 28.
- They demand Vice Chancellor Santosh Ajmera's resignation and an independent inquiry into campus violence.
- Students allege attacks by external groups and accuse the administration of inadequate safety measures.
- The institute issued disciplinary notices to eight students for alleged misconduct.
- The students seek dialogue with the Chairman and authorities to resume academic and creative activities.
What caused the SRFTI students to start their protest?
The protest began after incidents of violence on campus and near the institute. Students reported being attacked on September 27 by members of the Akhil Bharatiya Grahak Panchayat, a group affiliated with the RSS. Another attack occurred on October 4 during a rally by the Bangiya Hindu Jagran Manch near the institute's gate. Several students were injured in these incidents, which raised concerns about their safety on and around campus.
What are the students’ main demands?
The students have outlined several key demands in a letter addressed to SRFTI Chairman Suresh Goel. They want the immediate resignation of Vice Chancellor Santosh Ajmera, the revocation of disciplinary notices issued against eight students, and an independent inquiry into the violence that has affected the campus environment. They also seek a dialogue involving the Chairman, Vice Chancellor, and the Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to resolve the crisis.
How has the institute responded to the protests?
SRFTI authorities have issued show-cause notices to eight students on disciplinary grounds. These notices cite reasons such as writing objectionable graffiti on campus walls, putting up posters that violate campus discipline, ignoring the Vice Chancellor’s requests to resume classes, and allegedly assaulting security personnel in the Vice Chancellor’s office. The institute has suspended classes since September 28 due to the ongoing unrest.
What do the students want moving forward?
The students want to return to their academic activities, including classes, film shoots, and workshops. They emphasize their desire to continue their education in a safe and supportive environment. The students' union leaders, Blossom Hazarika and Shubham Waydande, have urged the Chairman and central authorities to intervene promptly and help facilitate dialogue to end the impasse.
Why do students feel the administration has failed them?
The students claim that the institute administration has not taken adequate steps to ensure their safety after the reported attacks. They say repeated requests for accountability and meaningful dialogue have not been met with satisfactory responses. This perceived lack of action has fueled their decision to continue the sit-in and halt academic activities until their concerns are addressed.
