SRFTI Crisis: MP John Brittas Urges Govt Intervention After Alleged Attacks on Students
CPI(M) MP John Brittas writes to Ashwini Vaishnaw and Suresh Gopi over alleged attacks and rustications at SRFTI Kolkata.
CPI(M) Rajya Sabha MP John Brittas has stepped in to address a growing crisis at the Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI) in Kolkata. In separate letters dated October 22, the MP has urged Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Ashwini Vaishnaw and SRFTI Chairman Suresh Gopi to intervene immediately to resolve an ongoing student protest and academic deadlock.
Violence and Allegations of Abuse
The tension at the campus reportedly stems from two major confrontations. According to the letters sent by Brittas, the first incident occurred on September 27 during a protest by students against an event organized by the Akhil Bharatiya Grahak Panchayat (ABGP). Students alleged that they were subjected to physical attacks and verbal abuse, claiming they were branded as "cockroaches" and "anti-national."
The situation worsened on October 4 when members of the Hindu Jagaran Manch staged a march. Brittas noted that during this rally, stones and bottles were reportedly hurled at students, leaving several injured and deeply shaken. The MP highlighted that despite warnings about the proposed rally and potential threats to safety, the administration failed to implement adequate preventive measures.
Crackdown on Dissent and Linguistic Issues
Beyond the physical clashes, the MP raised serious concerns regarding the administration's response to the unrest. He alleged that instead of ensuring student safety, the institute has resorted to disciplinary actions to suppress dissent. This includes the rustication of six students and the issuance of show-cause notices to others.
The letters also bring to light a disturbing claim regarding linguistic dignity. Brittas stated that there have been reported attempts by staff members to dictate the language students should speak, which he argued contradicts the pluralistic ethos an educational institution should uphold.
Allegations of Intimidation
The MP further alleged that:
- Staff members were deployed to intimidate and physically remove protesting students.
- Threats were made regarding the academic and professional futures of the students to force them into silence.
- The administration's handling of grievances has led to an indefinite sit-in and a complete halt of academic activities.
Demands for Resolution
Seeking a peaceful and just resolution, John Brittas has called for several immediate actions from the Union Minister and the SRFTI Chairman:
- Independent Inquiry: A thorough and impartial probe into the incidents of September 27 and October 4.
- Withdrawal of Punitive Actions: The immediate cancellation of rustication orders and show-cause notices issued to students.
- Direct Dialogue: The establishment of an immediate dialogue between the institute's administration and the elected representatives of the Students’ Union.
Brittas emphasized that the current state of affairs is deeply concerning for an institution dedicated to nurturing artistic freedom and creativity.