Kolkata: Students at the Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI) have initiated an indefinite sit-in protest outside the office of Vice Chancellor Santosh Ajmera, demanding his immediate resignation. The demonstration follows back-to-back incidents of violence on the Kolkata campus on September 27 and October 4.

The sit-in, which started on Monday, comes as academic activities remain disrupted. Classes at the premier film institute have been suspended for 16 straight days following initial clashes between students and members of the Akhil Bharatiya Grahak Panchayat (ABGP), an RSS-affiliated consumer organisation, during an event on September 27.

Unrest erupted again on October 4 when members of the Bangiya Hindu Jagaran Mancha staged a protest outside the premises. Police intervened to prevent agitators from forcing their way through the institute's main gates.

"We will continue the sit-in till Ajmera steps down for his failure to ensure our safety and bring to book those responsible for the incursion of RSS-linked forces into the campus on September 27 and October 4, which threatened the liberal and creative atmosphere and left many of us injured,” said SRFTI students' union spokesperson Sudip Chakraborty.

Chakraborty criticised the management's handling of the situation, stating that the administration had not taken sufficient measures to address the campus security breakdown. He noted that students previously staged a two-day demonstration outside the VC's office on October 5 and 6 demanding tighter security, alleging that certain institute staff members harassed and intimidated protesting students.

Furthermore, Chakraborty expressed the student union's solidarity with the Cockroach Janta Party and Delhi-based demonstrators who are demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over the SIR issue.

Vice Chancellor Santosh Ajmera could not be reached for comment. Meanwhile, an institute official mentioned that a majority of students had already departed the campus hostels for the upcoming Durga Puja holidays.

Addressing the unrest in an official statement released on October 5, the institute stated, “SRFTI remains deeply concerned about the incidents that occurred on Sunday (October 4) and reiterates its commitment to ensuring the safety, security and well-being of its students.”

“A formal complaint has been filed with the authorities. The institute unequivocally condemns any act of violence, intimidation or attempt to unlawfully enter the campus. SRFTI is working in coordination with the local authorities and extending full cooperation to ensure that peace and order are maintained in and around the institute,” the statement added.

PTI