Students at the Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI) in Kolkata have refused to leave the campus despite being given a 24-hour ultimatum by the institute authorities. They have decided to continue their sit-in protest during the Durga Puja holidays. The students are protesting against incidents of campus violence and are demanding the resignation of the institute's vice-chancellor, Santosh Ajmera, as well as action against those involved in the attacks.
- Students have been protesting since incidents of violence on September 27 and October 4.
- The institute ordered students to vacate hostels and campus within 24 hours on October 16.
- About 150 students are affected, many from other states, facing difficulty in finding alternative accommodation.
- Academic activities in Film and Electronic and Digital Media wings suspended until November 13.
- Hostel facilities remain closed until further notice.
Why are SRFTI students protesting?
The protests began after violent incidents on campus on September 27 and October 4. Students allege attacks on their peers and are demanding accountability. They want the vice-chancellor to resign and for action to be taken against those responsible for the violence. The students feel their concerns have not been addressed satisfactorily by the institute authorities.
What is the institute's response to the protests?
On October 16, the SRFTI administration issued an order suspending academic activities in the Film and Electronic and Digital Media departments until November 13. The order also directed all students living on campus, including those in hostels, to vacate the premises within 24 hours. The institute cited the festive period and administrative needs as reasons for the decision. Hostel facilities will remain closed until November 13 or until further notice.
How are students affected by the eviction order?
Many students come from other states and rely on campus accommodation. The sudden directive to leave within 24 hours has left approximately 150 students in a difficult position, struggling to find alternative housing in Kolkata. The students' union spokesperson, Sudip Chakraborty, described the order as an attempt to break their morale but affirmed that the protest would continue.
What are the students demanding now?
The students insist that their agitation will continue until their demands are met. They want the resignation of Vice-Chancellor Santosh Ajmera and proper action against those involved in the campus violence. They also criticize the eviction order as being against basic human rights and an unsatisfactory response to their concerns.
What measures are in place to enforce the eviction?
The institute has instructed department heads, hostel wardens, security officers, and other officials to ensure the implementation of the eviction order. They are required to report any instances of non-compliance to the competent authority. Despite this, students remain steadfast in their decision to continue the sit-in protest during the Durga Puja holidays.
