Despite rustication notice, FTII students continue strike

Protesting students at the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) have refused to resume classes despite the risk of rustication looming large. With the students' protests against the appointment of Gajendra Chauhan as FTII chairman entering its second month, Director FTII DJ Narain, on 15 July, had issued a notice to the students to end their agitation or face rustication. The students have been on strike since 12 June.They are also opposing the appointment of other members of the FTII society - Anagha Ghaisas, Narendra Pathak, Rahul Solapurkar and Narendra Pathak. On 3 July, a ten-member delegation comprising FTII students and Alumni had met Information and Broadcasting (I&B) Minister Arun Jaitely. But the government refused to go back on Chauhan's appointment.DJ Narain has stated that he is expecting the students will take the notice seriously and will end their strike in a day or so. If not then the administration will take strong actions against them.