SRFTI Students Demand Stronger Security as Class Boycott Enters 10th Day

Students at the Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI) continued their class boycott for the 10th consecutive day on Thursday, demanding stronger security measures on the campus following a series of violent incidents.

The protesting students alleged that institute authorities had warned them of disciplinary action if they did not return to classes. However, the students' union maintained that the academic boycott would continue until their security concerns were addressed.

Students' union general secretary Nachiket said the protest followed an October 4 rally by the Bangiya Hindu Jagaran Manch at the institute's main gate, during which students and others on the campus were allegedly targeted with stones and bottles.

He alleged that no effective action had been taken against those responsible for the violence. The students have also claimed that authorities warned that their academic careers could be affected if they continued to remain absent from classes.

A senior SRFTI official said most students were still boycotting classes despite appeals from faculty members and authorities, although a few students had started attending classes on Thursday.

The standoff comes after incidents of violence at the campus since September 27. Students have alleged attacks by members of the Hindu Jagaran Manch and accused the institute authorities of failing to adequately address their concerns.

The students' union, along with the Students' Union of the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune, had written to Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on October 3, seeking adequate security personnel, better coordination between the administration and police, and measures to prevent crowds from gathering outside the main gate.

They also sought transparency in the Kolkata Police SIT report into the September 27 incident. The institute has said it is deeply concerned about the incidents and reiterated its commitment to student safety. Police personnel remained deployed at the barricaded main gate.

With the Durga Puja vacation approaching, the continuing protest has also raised concerns over disruption of academic activities, particularly for first-year students.