SRFTI protest: Demanding ‘unconditional’ reversal of expulsions, students go on relay hunger strike

Seven students launched the hunger strike Saturday in front of SRFTI’s administrative building, following a day-long sit-in demonstration in front of institute director Debamitra Mitra’s office. Protests at the institute broke out on October 17, after the authorities expelled 14 female students for their refusal to move to a new girls’ hostel on campus. After prolonged protests, the authorities had decided to reconsider their decision, but put forward conditions such as minor punishment for the students in question. Protesting this, students launched the relay hunger strike.

Mitra, who was gheraoed at her office by agitating students on Saturday, said she could not unconditionally revoke the expulsion. “We cannot do that, as there is no provision in the rules for unconditional withdrawal of the punishment. I cannot violate the law and indulge in unethical activity. If I do that, then I would be answerable to the Information and Broadcasting Ministry, and to the governing council members. I cannot set a precedence of unlawful act. The agitating students do not have ethics, as they are constantly changing their stand and coming up with new demands,” she told The Indian Express.

Following the gherao, Mitra was hospitalised.  “As per the recommendation of the doctor, I must take rest for three days. I will go to the campus tomorrow, and I am concerned that once I enter the campus, they might start the gherao. They are so unpredictable,” she said.

The SRFTI director also said authorities are taking care of the students, and that medical professionals will visit them from time to time.  “We are taking utmost care of our students. Doctors have been asked to visit the students. If anything happens to the students then they would be taken to the nearest hospital,” she said.