Rally against assault on FTII students by ABVP activists

Pune. Following the dastardly assault on FTII students by ABVP activists, a rally was organized by the students association of FTII from the institute premises till Omkareshwar bridge , where activist Shri. Narendra Dhabolkar was brutally murdered. Simultaneous protests/agitations were organized in Delhi, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad and Chandigarh by students unions, cultural group, civil society members and artists in solidarity with the students.

In Pune, the solidarity march comprised of the FTII students association and representatives of the Swatantra theatre group, Pune Municipal Kamgari Union, AISA and Yugpath along with members of the FTII administration, faculty and staff.

The Police had denied permission for the proposed rally citing Sec 37(1)(3).The permission was only granted at the last minute after more than 250 people gathered at the FTII gate . For an hour before starting the march the students and the supporters cried slogans, performed songs and plays in front of the institute gate.

Following the demonstration, the students took out a peaceful silent march covering their mouth with black ribbons. The placards and banner held by the students and supporters spoke of their demands and their disappointments apart from their anger regarding the state of affairs.

The march that began at FTII reached Omkareshwar chowk cutting through the city. At the Omkareshwar Chowk a minute’s silence was observed as a mark of respect to the late Dr. Narendra Dabholkar. Mukta Manohar, General Secretary of Pune Muncipal Kamgari Union addressing the gathering congratulated the students for taking a bold initiative and asked the students to keep the fighting spirit alive in them for a lifetime. The General Secretary of FTII Student’s Association, Vikas Urs addressed the people gathered and thanked the police for providing support.

Solidarity March in Delhi was organized by NSD and supported by students of DU, JNU, Jamia Milia Islamia, Ambedkar College. More than 150 people sang songs, performed plays and shouted slogans as part of their protest.  In Hyderabad Street plays at different plays were performed. People in Ahmedabad and Chandigarh met to condemn the incidents and distributed pamphlets.

A charter of demands will be handed over to the Police, re iterating that the flimsy charges slapped against 6 FTII students be immediately taken back, amongst other demands.

Vikas Urs,

General Secretary,

FTII Students’ Association,