File pic of campus unrest
Authorities of repute, therefore, should behave responsibly understanding both sides and mediate to resolve the issue than to instigate.
Following in the lines of Shah’s solidarity video, Behl, the director of “Titli” and “Agra”, released a video statement where he described “the violence against the students” as “reprehensible”. I urge govt and the people concerned to look into it immediately and make sure that the students remain safe and a creative environment is created for them,” Behl said. Reacting to Behl’s appeal, the VC said: “There are gross violations by students maligning the entire meaning of peaceful protest.
“I feel deeply concerned. Students are being beaten up, apparently and allegedly by right-wing goons and what is even more concerning and what is more concerning is that students are being asked to vacate the premises and forcibly attend classes. This should not be a part of the larger democratic process. It’s no more a peaceful protest. The real photos and videos of the vandalism, intimidation and verbal abuse are being recorded and are available with the institute. We remain committed to the safety and well-being of our students.”
director and SRFTI alumnus Kanu Behl supported the students While actor and former FTTI chairman Gajendra Chauhan questioned Shah’s “one-sided” perspective on social media. Institute sources said a factual report has been shared by SRFTI with concerned authorities regarding the defacement of the wall, damage to the govt property including official portrait of the constitutional authority and derogatory slogans against the highest authorities in the govt. Meanwhile, the exterior walls of SRFTI remain defaced with slogans against constitutional authorities. However, no one has taken onus or been identified for writing the slogans.
Kolkata: The debate over the accusations made by veteran Naseeruddin Shah against the SRFTI administration refused to die down on Sunday.
The Dean Council recommended his rustication for three consecutive semesters with immediate effect under Clause 3.3.5 of the Academic Bye-Laws, citing personal abuse, heckling, intimidation and physical assault on the VC. “A party that has been in the office for the last 12-13 years, you called it a ‘bloody jhooti party’. In June 2015, the I&B ministry had appointed Chauhan as the FTII chairman. His stint was marked by a 139-day strike by students. The strike had ended in Oct 2015 without the govt revoking the appointment. Chauhan eventually completed his term in March 2017.
SRFTI registrar Deepak Kumar said, “Shubham Waydande, who addressed the media, is a 20th batch editing student. Those criticising the administration should first get verified information about the charges against Shubham before supporting him,” Kumar said. On Sunday, Chauhan reacted to Shah’s description of BJP as a “bloody jhooti party”. You should be ashamed,” said Chauhan. Chauhan said if there is a strike in SRFTI, the administration there will look into it. You should advise the students, instead of criticising the govt,” he told an agency.
“There are capable people sitting there. It is a student’s right to protest, but there is no result to protest unless you sit together and talk.
The Council also took note of earlier pending disciplinary proceedings concerning damage to institute property.