Students Of FTII Attacked As They Denounce Babri Masjid’s Demolition; 200 Alumni Condemns The Action

Following an alleged attack on the students by right-wing demonstrators over a banner criticizing the 1992 demolition of the Babri Masjid, more than 200 alumni of the prestigious Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) have penned an open letter expressing their support for the students at the esteemed institution.

Letter from FTII students said, “It is painful to see the students being assaulted…”

207 former FTII students, including film editor Anupama Chandra, actor Shardul Bhardwaj, filmmaker Prateek Vats, and Oscar winner Resul Pookutty, have signed the letter. “It is painful to see the students of this great film school being assaulted with impunity. We, as a community of film professionals, educators, and artists of both national and international acclaim, extend our support to the FTII student community at this tough and testing moment,” the letter said.

The day after ‘Pran Pratishtha’ saw this incident

The incident happened on Tuesday at the Pune-based film institute, one day after the Ram Lalla idol’s spectacular consecration ceremony in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh. Police said that between 12 and 15 unidentified individuals overpowered security guards to force their way onto the school, where they attacked students and yelled obscenities. The banner that said “Remember Babri, Death of Constitution” was torn down and set ablaze by the FTII Students Association (FSA).

Mankap Nokwoham, the president of the FSA, is alleged to have been one of the attackers. The alumni association declared that they “unequivocally condemn” the acts of violence against the film institute’s students. “FTII students had organised discussions and screenings on their campus as part of their academic commitment. That intruders were allowed to attack the students is inexcusable,” the open letter said.

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Police not acting into matter

It noted that it was even “more inexcusable” that the police had not looked into the violence and taken action against those who were responsible. “We appeal to the police and all relevant authorities to take prompt action against those who perpetrated violence against the students and who entered with the intent to vandalise property on the campus of FTII, Pune.”

“We hold the institute in great affection and regard, and owe to it the rigorous training that turned us into film professionals,” the letter added.