Archive · 7 Oct 2026
SRFTI Students Continue Boycott, Demand Written Safety Assurances
Students at a film institute in Kolkata have stopped attending classes and taking part in film work.
Their boycott began after violence at the campus on September 27.
They say they want written promises that they will be kept safe before returning.
Students sent a petition to the Union Ministry on October 3 asking for more security and other steps.
A separate scuffle happened at the campus on October 4 during a protest, and some agitators tried to force open the gate.
The institute said it was concerned about the incidents and was working with local authorities.
Students also called for the institute’s vice-chancellor and registrar to resign.
One report said students warned of a possible gathering with Jadavpur University students and alumni, while another said the student union denied plans for a rally with Jadavpur’s Left-leaning unions.
SRFTI students kept classes, workshops, and film shoots suspended for a 10th consecutive day.
The boycott followed violence between students and ABGP members during a campus programme on September 27.
Students said they would return only after receiving written safety assurances from Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Vice-Chancellor Santosh Ajmera.
A student petition submitted to the Union Ministry on October 3 sought stronger campus security and intervention.
Students warned of a possible mass gathering with Jadavpur University students and SRFTI alumni, but the SRFTI student union denied planning a rally with Jadavpur’s Left-leaning unions.
- Who
- Students at the Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI); the petition also involved student representatives from FTII Pune and FTII Itanagar.
- What
- Students continued an academic boycott and demanded written safety assurances and measures to secure the campus.
- When
- The boycott had reached its 10th consecutive day; the main violence occurred on September 27, and a petition was submitted on October 3.
- Where
- The SRFTI campus in Kolkata.
- Why
- Students said they were protesting campus violence and seeking assurances of their safety.
Students’ concerns and demands
Institute’s stated response
Campus safety
Students’ concerns and demands
Students said they would continue the academic boycott until authorities took demonstrable action and provided written assurances of their safety.
Institute’s stated response
SRFTI said it was concerned about the incidents, condemned violence and unlawful entry attempts, and was working with local authorities to maintain peace and order.
Institute leadership
Students’ concerns and demands
The student union called for Vice-Chancellor Santosh Ajmera and Registrar Deepak Kumar to resign, alleging they failed to prevent attacks and intimidation.
Institute’s stated response
The institute’s statement described its safety commitments and cooperation with authorities; it did not address the resignation demand.
Possible gathering
Students’ concerns and demands
One report said students warned of a mass gathering with Jadavpur University students and the SRFTI alumni network.
Institute’s stated response
The SRFTI student union denied planning a rally with Jadavpur University’s Left-leaning student unions and thanked supporters of its security demand.
- Boycott
- Classes, workshops, and film shoots; 10th consecutive day at the time of the report
- September 27 incident
- Violence broke out between students and members of the Akhil Bharatiya Grahak Panchayat during a programme
- October 4 incident
- A scuffle occurred during a Bangiya Hindu Jagaran Mancha protest; some agitators tried to break open the institute gate
- Petition date
- October 3
- Requested measures
- Adequate security at gates and entry points, coordination with the administration and local police, and steps to prevent crowds gathering outside the main gate
- Students’ demands
- Written safety assurances from Ashwini Vaishnaw and Vice-Chancellor Santosh Ajmera; the student union also demanded the resignation of Ajmera and Registrar Deepak Kumar
- Institute response
- SRFTI said it condemned violence and intimidation, had filed a formal complaint, and was coordinating with local authorities
