FTII Itanagar students halt classes after assault on faculty and students

Students at the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) in Itanagar have suspended all academic activities indefinitely following an assault on September 16. The incident occurred on Jollang-Rakap Road when local youths allegedly confronted a group of students.

Dominic Sangma, a two-time National Award-winning filmmaker and head of the institute’s Screenwriting Department, was reportedly assaulted with bamboo sticks while attempting to intervene and protect the students. Several students and a security guard were also injured during the altercation. Police have arrested two residents of Rakap village in connection with the incident.

The Students’ Council has demanded enhanced security measures, including the deployment of Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel and the construction of a police outpost near the campus. Students expressed concerns regarding unauthorized entries and the safety of female students, noting that promised CISF deployment has been stalled for over 16 months due to accommodation issues.