Itanagar: Students of the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Itanagar, have halted academic activities since September 17 following an alleged assault on students and faculty members on campus, demanding immediate measures to address continuing security concerns.
The Students’ Council said the academic halt would continue until “concrete and time-bound measures” are taken to ensure the safety of students and staff.
According to the students, the latest incident occurred around 6.30 pm on September 16 when three students were carrying out academic assignments and were confronted by local individuals.
The students alleged that one of the individuals assaulted a student with a stick. Dominic Sangma, a two-time National Award-winning filmmaker and head of the Screenwriting Department, was allegedly beaten when he attempted to intervene.
Another student, who was not involved in the initial confrontation, was subsequently allegedly attacked on the head with a bamboo stick. Students also alleged that institute authorities and security personnel who attempted to intervene were abused and threatened.
The Students’ Council said it had repeatedly raised concerns over unauthorised entry into the campus, aggressive behaviour and inadequate security, and had sought the deployment of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF).
It said communications between the administration and authorities in May 2025 indicated that CISF personnel were ready for deployment, but the process could not proceed because accommodation for the personnel had not been arranged.
More than 16 months later, the students said, the issue remains unresolved.
The students have demanded immediate protective measures following the filing of an FIR, in addition to state police protection, and the deployment of CISF personnel in and around the campus.
They have also sought an internal committee comprising faculty members and students to monitor the legal proceedings, as well as a permanent committee to facilitate communication between the institute and local residents.
The students have further demanded the construction of a police outpost near the campus.
The Students’ Council has sought an in-person meeting with the Vice-Chancellor of the Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI), the Joint Secretary, the District Magistrate and the Deputy Commissioner, along with student representatives, to discuss the security situation.
The students said they would continue the academic halt until effective measures are implemented to ensure their safety and dignity.
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