ITANAGAR, 19 Sep: Students of the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Itanagar, have been on an 'academic halt' since 17 September after several students and a faculty member were allegedly assaulted by some local individuals.
They said that the stir will continue until concrete and time-bound measures are taken to address their safety concerns.
According to the Students' Council of the institute, three students were carrying out their academic assignments on 16 September evening, when local individuals initiated an unprovoked verbal confrontation with them. During the altercation, one of the local individuals assaulted a student with a stick.
Dominic Sangma, a two-time National Award-winning faculty member and HoD of the screenwriting department, who attempted to intervene, was subsequently beaten up.
"One of the perpetrators later attacked another uninvolved student on the head with a bamboo stick, without provocation. Students and institute authorities, including security personnel, who attempted to intervene were also abused and threatened," the council said.
It further stated that students, particularly female students, are feeling extremely unsafe and fear for their lives and wellbeing due to repeated threats, harassment, intimidation, and now physical violence.
It said that students have repeatedly raised concerns regarding unauthorised entry, aggressive behaviour, inadequate security, and the need for CISF deployment.
The Students' Council said that the administration had stated in communications dated 5 and 6 May, 2025 that CISF personnel were ready for deployment, but the process remained pending due to the lack of accommodation.
"More than 16 months later, the issue remains unresolved," it said.
The students demanded that the authorities enhance security in and around the campus, including immediate deployment of CISF personnel and construction of a police outpost near the campus.
They have also demanded an internal committee,comprising faculty members and students, to monitor the legal proceedings fairly and transparently, and a permanent committee to maintain communication between the institute and locals.
The students said these demands should be fulfilled at the earliest as they directly concern the safety and wellbeing of the students, faculty members, and staff of the FTII.
The students are also seeking an in-person meeting with the vice-chancellor of the SRFTI, the joint secretary, the district magistrate, and the deputy commissioner, along with student representatives, to address the crisis urgently.
"We will continue our academic halt until effective measures are implemented to ensure the safety and dignity of all students. Let us learn without fear," the Students' Council said.
