The ongoing agitation at the Satyajit Ray Film & Television Institute (SRFTI) in Kolkata has extended into its 42nd day, prompting the administration to further suspend all academic classes until December 11. The campus, which has been in a state of unrest since late September, saw students marking the eve of Deepavali by declaring their continued resistance, stating that their true celebration would only arrive once they secure justice.
The impasse stems from a violent incident on September 27, when clashes erupted on campus during an event held by the Akhil Bharatiya Grahak Panchayat (ABGP), an RSS-affiliated organization. Several students reportedly sustained injuries during the confrontation. Since that event, the student body has demanded greater accountability from the institute’s leadership, alleging that the administration failed to ensure the safety of students within the campus premises. In response, students have called for the resignation of Vice-Chancellor Santosh Ajmeera.
The administration has taken a firm disciplinary stance, citing concerns over the disruption of institute operations. Registrar Deepak Kumar stated that while the faculty and administration are prepared to resume regular academic activities, a segment of the student population continues to obstruct the functioning of the institute. The administration has accused these students of violating institutional rules, engaging in the defacement of premises, and intimidating officials. According to the Registrar, the institute is encouraging students to participate in a constructive dialogue to resolve the stalemate.
The disciplinary measures have significantly escalated the conflict. As of November 7, at least 25 students have been issued show cause notices, with 11 of these issued as recently as November 5. Furthermore, six students have been served with rustication notices, and a formal FIR has been registered against the student union Vice-President, Shubham. These six students are specifically accused of manhandling the Vice-Chancellor and vandalizing his office. The students have categorically denied these allegations.
The impact of the protest extends beyond the classroom. The institute’s hostels and mess facilities have remained closed, leaving many students, particularly those from outside West Bengal, to reside in makeshift tents on the campus grounds. Additionally, students report that two contractual faculty members and five resource persons associated with the institute have had their employment terminated, allegedly for expressing solidarity with the protesting student body.
Vice-Chancellor Santosh Ajmeera maintains that the administration has actively addressed safety concerns and implemented necessary security measures. In an official statement, he noted that the disciplinary actions taken against the students were necessary to address the provocative actions and the intimidation of staff reported on campus. Despite the administration's stated willingness to move forward, the divide between the student union and the leadership remains deep.
As the academic calendar remains suspended through early December, the future of the current semester remains uncertain. The students continue to emphasize that their struggle is a fight for justice and institutional accountability. With both parties remaining at odds over the events of September 27 and the subsequent disciplinary fallout, there is no immediate indication of when normal operations will resume at the film institute.
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