ITANAGAR, Sep 19: Students of the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Jote, Itanagar, have halted academic activities from Thursday, September 17, demanding concrete and time-bound measures to address what they described as continuing safety and security concerns on and around the campus.
The move follows a reported incident in which National Award-winning filmmaker and Head of the Screenwriting Department, Dominic Sangma, was allegedly assaulted near the FTII Jote campus.
In a statement, the students alleged that repeated instances of threats, harassment and intimidation had created an unsafe environment, particularly for women students. They said the recent escalation to physical violence had prompted them to suspend academic activities until effective security measures are put in place.
According to the students, the latest incident occurred at around 6:30 pm on September 16, when three students were carrying out academic assignments and were allegedly confronted by some local individuals. The students alleged that during the ensuing altercation, one of them was assaulted with a stick.
They further alleged that Sangma, who attempted to intervene, was subsequently assaulted. Another student, whom they said was not involved in the altercation, was also allegedly attacked on the head with a bamboo stick. The students claimed that institute authorities, security personnel and others who attempted to intervene were also subjected to verbal abuse and threats.
The students said they had previously raised concerns regarding unauthorised entry into the campus, aggressive behaviour and inadequate security arrangements. They also sought deployment of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF).
According to the statement, communications with the administration on May 5 and 6, 2025, indicated that CISF personnel were ready for deployment, but the process was reportedly pending due to lack of accommodation. The students said that more than 16 months later, the issue remains unresolved.
The students have placed five demands before the authorities, including immediate protective measures following registration of the FIR, deployment of CISF personnel in and around the campus, and constitution of an internal committee comprising faculty and students to monitor the legal proceedings in a fair and transparent manner.
They have also sought a permanent committee to facilitate harmonious communication between the institute and local residents, while safeguarding the long-term interests of FTII Itanagar, besides construction of a police outpost near the campus.
Sona condemns assault
on Dominic Sangma
Meanwhile, Education Minister Pasang Dorjee Sona expressed deep concern over the reported assault on National Award-winning filmmaker Dominic Sangma near the FTII Jote campus. Condemning the incident, Sona said violence has no place in Arunachal Pradesh, which values hospitality, mutual respect and peaceful coexistence.
He stressed that students, educators, artists and visitors must feel safe and respected in the State, and said he trusted that the law would take its due course. Sona also wished Sangma and others affected by the incident a speedy recovery and urged all concerned to uphold civility, responsibility and mutual respect.
The students have, meanwhile, sought an in-person meeting with the Vice-Chancellor of the Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI), Joint Secretary, District Magistrate and Deputy Commissioner, along with student representatives, to urgently address the security situation.
They said the academic halt would continue until effective measures are implemented to ensure the safety and dignity of students, faculty and staff, stating, “Let us learn without fear.”