SRFTI Administration Assures Parents Amid Continuing Student Protest
The Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI) in Kolkata is facing continued student protests over alleged incidents of violence on campus, security concerns and the administration's response to the developments. Amid the ongoing stand-off, the institute has assured parents that concerns raised by them about the situation will be addressed.
SRFTI Registrar Deepak Kumar said the institute had received emails from parents of some students and that the issues raised in those communications would be taken up appropriately. In a message on October 30, he stated that the institute had received the emails the previous day and would address the concerns in due course.
The assurance comes as students continue an indefinite sit-in outside the office of Vice-Chancellor Santosh Ajmera. The protest began on October 12, following weeks of tension over two incidents involving alleged violence on the institute campus.
Students Demand Accountability and Better Security
The dispute began with a confrontation on September 27 between students and members of the Akhil Bharatiya Grahak Panchayat during a programme organised on the SRFTI campus. The confrontation reportedly resulted in injuries to several people, including two faculty members.
Following the incident, students began an academic boycott on September 28. They demanded stronger security arrangements and an investigation into how outsiders were able to enter the campus and become involved in the confrontation.
The situation escalated again on October 4, when a rally organised by the Bangiya Hindu Jagran Manch near the institute reportedly led to another confrontation. Students alleged that stones and bricks were thrown at them during the incident.
Following these developments, students intensified their protest and began an indefinite sit-in outside the Vice-Chancellor's office on October 12. Their demands include accountability for the alleged attacks, action against those responsible, improved campus security and a response from the institute administration.
West Bengal Government Forms Special Investigation Team
The West Bengal government subsequently constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the September 27 incident. The SRFTI administration also initiated an internal fact-finding process.
However, protesting students have maintained that the steps taken so far have not adequately addressed their security concerns. They have accused the administration of taking disciplinary action against protesters instead of resolving the issues raised following the alleged incidents of violence.
The administration has presented a different account of the situation. According to the PTI report, institute authorities have alleged that a section of students, with support from outside forces, was attempting to politicise the agitation and disrupt academic activities.
Disciplinary Action and Restrictions Add to Tensions
The disagreement between students and the administration has intensified following disciplinary measures against some students.
The institute issued show-cause notices to several students over alleged disciplinary violations, including an alleged assault on a security officer. The administration also rusticated six students, according to reports.
Students have further alleged that access to certain campus facilities, including the gymnasium, music room and film-viewing facilities, was restricted during the protest. They have also raised concerns about an alleged disruption of electricity supply in a classroom used for academic activities.
Separately, parents of several students wrote to Vice-Chancellor Santosh Ajmera expressing concern over the institute's actions. A letter signed by 30 parents reportedly opposed the rustication of students and the order asking students to vacate hostels.
The parents also sought police deployment to ensure campus security, while questioning the circumstances surrounding the alleged incidents of violence.
Parents Raise Concerns Over Hostel Orders and Police Deployment
According to a report published by The Telegraph, the parents questioned an October 16 order asking students to vacate their hostels within 24 hours. They argued that some students had no homes or alternative accommodation in Kolkata and expressed concern about the consequences of such an order.
The parents also raised questions about the presence of police personnel on campus after October 27. Police were reportedly called following a torch rally organised by students inside the institute. The SRFTI Registrar said police personnel had remained on campus to ensure the safety of residents.
The parents' letter emphasised that the institute had a responsibility to ensure student safety and sought clarity over the security arrangements.
Academic Activities Remain Affected
The continuing agitation has affected academic activities at the film institute. Students have been boycotting lectures, workshops and film shoots since September 28.
The administration had also notified the suspension of film and videography classes until November 13, according to PTI. The disruption has raised concerns about the impact on students' academic schedules and practical training, which are important components of film and television education.
With parents now formally raising their concerns and the administration promising to address them, attention is focused on whether discussions between the two sides can help resolve the situation.
For now, students continue to demand accountability for the alleged campus violence and stronger security arrangements. The administration's response to the parents' concerns, the progress of the investigation and any steps towards restoring academic activities are likely to remain central to developments at SRFTI.
