Kolkata, Oct. 9 -- Students of Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI) have refused to resume classes until the authorities address their security concerns following two incidents of unrest on September 27 and October 4.
At a press conference near the campus on Friday, students demanded an official statement on the incidents and called on the institute's executive committee, academic council and the concerned ministry to intervene. They said classes remained largely suspended since September 28, disrupting coursework and film projects.
Students said they wanted classes to resume at the earliest and complete their courses on schedule. However, they insisted that the authorities provide security assurances, issue a public statement on the incidents and outline measures to prevent a recurrence.
Student representative Sudip Chakraborty alleged that the vice-chancellor had not agreed to meet them. Students claimed the administration had indicated that disciplinary action against them would be withdrawn if they returned to classes. Students further alleged that inadequate hostel accommodation had forced some of them to stay outside the campus, while others were temporarily accommodated in vacant staff quarters. They claimed they were being pressured to vacate the quarters without alternative arrangements.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.