SRFTI STUDENTS LAUNCH RELAY HUNGER STRIKE

KOLKATA: The stalemate in the Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI) in Kolkata is showing no signs of being resolved two weeks after the country’s second Centre-funded film school rusticated 14 female students.

Since Saturday night, seven students have started a hunger strike in front of the institute’s administrative building demanding unconditional withdrawal of the punishment.

The director of the institute told HT, “There is no provision in the rules for unconditional withdrawal... I would be rebuked by the ministry if I allow it,” SRFTI director Debamitra Mitra said.

On October 16, the authorities expelled 14 female students for their persistent refusal to vacate a hostel meant for males, triggering protests from students.

Describing the dictum as an infringement on their personal space, students launched an agitation. “We had no other option but to resort to a relay hunger strike. We hope we won’t have to turn it into a fast until death to press for our demand. We are not going to allow the institute to function until the expulsions are unconditionally revoked,” said Debottam Basu, additional general secretary, SRFTI students’ association.

ON OCTOBER 16, THE AUTHORITIES EXPELLED 14 FEMALE STUDENTS FOR THEIR REFUSAL TO VACATE A HOSTEL MEANT FOR MALES