CPI(M) MP seeks Centreโs intervention
The standoff has also drawn political intervention. CPI(M) MP John Brittas has written to Union information and broadcasting minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and minister of state for petroleum and natural gas and tourism Suresh Gopi, who is also SRFTIโs chairman, seeking urgent intervention.
In his letter dated 21 October, Brittas said the crisis followed the incidents of 27 September and 4 October, alleging that students were verbally abused and physically assaulted during the first confrontation, while stones and bottles were reportedly hurled towards them during the later march.
He also raised concerns over disciplinary action against the protesters, stating that six students had been rusticated and others served show-cause notices. Brittas called for an independent inquiry into the alleged attacks, intimidation and manhandling, as well as the withdrawal of disciplinary action against students.
The MP urged the administration to engage with student representatives and address concerns over hostel accommodation, medical assistance for injured students and the rescheduling of classes and practical work lost during the disruption. He also raised allegations of staff attempting to dictate the language students should speak.
An institution dedicated to cinematic education and artistic freedom should not become ‘an arena of fear and coercion’, Brittas said.
In a separate letter to Union education minister Pralhad Joshi, Brittasโs party colleague V. Sivadasan sought intervention over an indefinite hunger strike at Jamia Millia Islamia University in Delhi, where students are demanding restoration of the studentsโ union and resumption of elections.
The two MPs have raised concerns over student representation, campus safety and disciplinary action against young protesters at both institutions. Sivadasan urged the Jamia administration to engage in dialogue and establish a time-bound process for restoring elected student representation, while Brittas called for the Centre to take up the SRFTI crisis with the instituteโs administration.
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