Naseeruddin Shah Supports SRFTI Students Amid Ongoing Protest
Veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah criticizes BJP's actions against SRFTI students protesting campus violence.
Naseeruddin Shah supports SRFTI students' indefinite sit-in against campus violence.
Students demand Vice-Chancellor's resignation after violent incidents.
SRFTI has suspended academic activities until November 13 amid ongoing protests.
On Saturday, veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah publicly expressed his support for the students of the Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI), who have been conducting an indefinite sit-in protest since October 12. The students are demanding the resignation of Vice-Chancellor Santosh Ajmera following multiple incidents of violence on campus. Shah accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of targeting those who oppose its ideology, labeling the party as a 'bloody jhooti party' in a video shared on social media.
The protests at SRFTI were ignited by clashes between students and members of the Akhil Bharatiya Grahak Panchayat, an RSS-affiliated group, during an event on September 27. Subsequent confrontations occurred on October 4 when protesters attempted to breach the institute's gates. In light of these events, the administration issued a notice on October 16, suspending all regular academic activities in the film, electronic, and digital media departments until November 13, and ordered students to vacate the campus within 24 hours.
In his remarks, Shah highlighted that the students have faced intimidation tactics, including surveillance and show cause notices, in response to their demands for accountability from the administration. He emphasized that these actions are part of a broader vendetta against individuals who challenge the BJP's narrative, particularly following the party's controversial victory in the West Bengal Assembly elections earlier this year.
The implications of this protest extend beyond the SRFTI campus, as it raises significant concerns about academic freedom and the safety of students in educational institutions across India. Shah urged citizens to rally behind the students, asserting that they represent the future of filmmaking and storytelling in the country. He expressed confidence that the young filmmakers would ultimately reveal the truth about the current state of affairs in India.
Looking ahead, the students remain resolute in their protest, insisting on improved campus security and accountability for the violence they have experienced. With academic activities on hold until mid-November, the situation at SRFTI will be closely monitored as the students continue their struggle for justice and safety on their campus.
