Students at the Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI) in Kolkata have refused to vacate the campus despite a 24-hour ultimatum from the institute authorities, announcing that their sit-in protest will continue through the Durga Puja holidays.According to a Press Trust of India (PTI) report, the students are demanding the resignation of Vice-Chancellor Santosh Ajmera and action against those allegedly involved in incidents of violence on the campus on September 27 and October 4. The protesting students have said they will continue their agitation until their demands are addressed.

SRFTI orders students to vacate campus within 24 hours

The institute issued an order on October 16 directing students residing on the campus, including those staying in hostels, to vacate the premises within 24 hours. The directive also announced the suspension of academic activities in the Film and Electronic and Digital Media (EDM) wings until November 13.Students have opposed the order, alleging that the directive is an attempt to weaken their ongoing protest. They have also expressed dissatisfaction with the institute administration’s response to their demands, describing the order as a violation of basic human rights.Students’ union spokesperson Sudip Chakraborty told PTI that around 150 students, including those staying in hostels and other accommodation in Kolkata, were facing difficulties following the directive.The students have maintained that they will not call off their sit-in protest despite the ultimatum and intend to continue their agitation during the festive period.

Academic activities suspended until November 13

In its October 16 order, SRFTI said the measures had been introduced in view of the festive period and related administrative requirements to ensure the orderly functioning of the campus.The order stated that hostel facilities would remain closed until November 13 or until further orders, whichever comes earlier. Academic activities in the Film and EDM wings have also been suspended for the same period.However, the institute clarified that the ITEC programme would continue as scheduled, subject to specific instructions from the competent authority.Department heads, hostel wardens, security officers and other officials were directed to ensure compliance with the order and report any instances of non-compliance to the appropriate authorities.

Students demand action over alleged campus violence

The protest follows allegations of violence on the SRFTI campus on September 27 and October 4. The students have called for action against those allegedly involved in the incidents and are seeking the resignation of Vice-Chancellor Santosh Ajmera.The students have said the administration’s response so far has not addressed their concerns. They have reiterated that the agitation will continue until the institute takes action on their demands.SRFTI operates under the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. With students refusing to leave the campus despite the vacate order, the standoff between the protesting students and the institute administration continues.(With inputs from PTI)