FTII students suspend academic activities indefinitely after alleged assault near Itanagar campus
Students of the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) in Itanagar have suspended academic activities indefinitely following an alleged assault that left several students and a two-time National Award-winning faculty member injured.
The Students' Council said the protest began on September 17, a day after the incident, and would continue until the authorities take concrete steps to address security concerns around the campus.
According to the council, three students were working on an academic assignment on the evening of September 16 when they were confronted by some local youths on Jollang-Rakap Road near the campus. The confrontation turned violent after one of the youths allegedly struck a student with a stick.
Dominic Sangma, head of the Screenwriting Department and a two-time National Award-winning filmmaker, was allegedly assaulted by two youths after he intervened, the council alleged.
Sangma, who is from Meghalaya, is known for his critically acclaimed Garo films 'Rapture' (Rimdogittanga) and 'Ma.Ama'.
Another student who was nearby was allegedly hit on the head with a bamboo stick. Security personnel and institute officials who attempted to intervene were also allegedly verbally abused and threatened, the council said.
Police said the two accused have been arrested.
The Students' Council said female students in particular felt unsafe following what it described as repeated threats, unauthorised entry of outsiders into the campus and intimidation.
Students have also raised concerns over the delay in deploying CISF personnel for campus security. They said assurances were given in May 2025 regarding CISF deployment, but the process has remained stalled for more than 16 months because accommodation facilities have not been arranged.
The students have demanded stronger security measures, including the deployment of CISF personnel and construction of a police outpost near the campus.
They have also sought the formation of a joint faculty-student committee to monitor the legal proceedings and a permanent liaison committee to improve coordination and maintain harmony between the institute and local residents. (with inputs from PTI)
