School of Drama students’ body condemns violence on Film and Television Institute of India campus

NEW DELHI: The School of Drama and Fine Arts Students Organisation has condemned the attack on the students of Film and Television Institute of India (FTII Pune) by a mob of 20-25 persons. The students’ organisation of School of Drama Thrissur, expressing deep concerns, said, “The distressing incident involved a mob of 20-25 people entering the FTII campus, resulting in conflicts and physical assaults. We stand united in denouncing such actions that violate the right to life and safety of students.”

The students’ body termed the incident, which occurred on January 23, an attack on the Fundamental Rights. The students’ body said on January 22, 2024, FTII students were engaged in various sessions, including reading texts like 'Time Within Time' by the Russian filmmaker Andrei Tarkovsky and 'Why I Am An Atheist?' by Bhagat Singh. They also organised a film screening of 'Ram ke Naam' and held an interactive session with filmmaker Anand Patwardhan. Notably, a banner reading 'Remember Babri - Death of Constitution' was displayed, reflecting the students' free expression, well within the scope of a vibrant student body.

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They added that the intellectual diversity has been unjustly met with violence, a stark contradiction to the principles of a democratic society. “As students committed to free expression and intellectual diversity, we empathise with our fellow students who faced aggression and brutality. The attack highlights a grave failure of law and order, and we strongly call for justice for the victims,” it added.

The students’ body has demanded the withdrawal of the police complaint filed against the students and swift action against those responsible for this unfortunate incident.