Classes at the Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI) in Kolkata remained suspended for the 11th consecutive day on October 10, as students continued their boycott over concerns about campus security following a series of clashes and confrontations.The students began boycotting classes on September 27 after tensions escalated over a programme organised by the Akhil Bharatiya Grahak Panchayat (ABGP), a consumer awareness group affiliated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), at an auditorium on the institute’s campus. The opposition to the programme led to a clash in which several people, including two faculty members, were injured, news agency PTI reported.The situation deteriorated again on October 4, when the Bangiya Hindu Jagaran Manch organised a protest outside the institute’s main gate. Students alleged that participants in the protest assaulted students who were on their way to the campus.
SRFTI students seek assurances on campus security
The students’ union has maintained that the boycott will continue until the institute provides assurances regarding student safety.Sudip Chakraborty, spokesperson for the SRFTI students’ union, said students were dissatisfied with the administration’s response to their concerns. He alleged that the authorities had failed to take adequate steps to address the security issues raised by students.According to Chakraborty, students staged a sit-in outside the vice-chancellor’s office after the October 4 incident, seeking improved security arrangements. He further alleged that some institute staff members and security personnel intimidated and harassed students participating in the protest.Chakraborty also said around 150 students from outside West Bengal felt threatened amid the continuing tensions on campus.The students’ union is expected to convene a general body meeting within the next two to three days to discuss the situation and decide its future course of action, he said. SRFTI Vice-Chancellor Santosh Ajmera could not be reached for comment, PTI reported.
Classes affected ahead of Durga Puja vacation
The continuing boycott has disrupted academic activities at the film institute ahead of the Durga Puja vacation. A senior institute official told PTI that classes for first-year students were still pending. No major theory classes had been scheduled for students in the other years, the official added.The official also said some students had already vacated their hostel rooms ahead of the holidays, while others continued to stay on campus.The disruption comes as students seek clarity on the steps being taken to address their safety concerns and restore normal academic activities.
SRFTI expresses concern over incidents
In a statement issued on October 5, SRFTI said it was “deeply concerned” about the incidents and reiterated its commitment to ensuring the safety and security of students.However, the class boycott remained in place on October 10, with the students’ union insisting on assurances before resuming academic activities.The institute’s response to the students’ demands and the outcome of the proposed general body meeting are likely to shape the next course of action as the campus remains affected by the continuing standoff.(With PTI inputs)