Students of the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Itanagar, have suspended all academic activities indefinitely following an alleged assault involving students and a faculty member. The incident reportedly took place on September 16 on Jollang-Rakap Road near the institute. The Students’ Council began the academic shutdown on September 17, citing concerns over campus and student safety. Students are demanding concrete security measures, including the deployment of Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel. Police have arrested two people in connection with the incident.
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Key Facts
- Location: Jollang-Rakap Road, near FTII Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh
- Incident date: September 16, 2026
- Academic shutdown: Began September 17
- People involved: FTII students, faculty member and local youths
- Faculty member: Dominic Sangma
- Key demand: Deployment of CISF personnel
- Police action: Two accused arrested
What Happened Near FTII Itanagar?
According to the FTII Students’ Council, three students were carrying out an academic assignment on the evening of September 16 when they were allegedly confronted by a group of local youths on Jollang-Rakap Road.
The confrontation reportedly became physical after one of the youths allegedly struck a student with a stick.
Dominic Sangma, head of FTII’s Screenwriting Department and a two-time National Award-winning filmmaker, allegedly intervened during the incident. The Students’ Council alleged that two youths then assaulted him.
Another student who was present at the location was also allegedly hit on the head with a bamboo stick, according to the council.
Security Concerns Raised by Students
The Students’ Council said security personnel and institute officials who reached the location were also subjected to alleged verbal abuse and threats.
Students have raised wider concerns about security around the institute. They have cited alleged repeated threats, unauthorised entry by outsiders and incidents of intimidation.
The council also said female students have expressed concerns about their safety on and around the campus.
Students Demand CISF Deployment
A major demand from the students is the deployment of CISF personnel at the institute.
The Students’ Council said an assurance regarding CISF deployment was given in May 2025. However, students claim that the process has not moved forward.
According to the council, accommodation for security personnel has been cited as one of the major obstacles to the deployment.
Police Arrest Two Accused
Police have arrested two people in connection with the alleged assault.
The Students’ Council, however, has maintained that the immediate police action does not address the broader security concerns raised by students.
Students have therefore decided to continue the academic shutdown until authorities take concrete steps to improve safety around the institute.
Who Is Dominic Sangma?
Dominic Sangma is a filmmaker from Meghalaya and heads the Screenwriting Department at FTII. He is a two-time National Award-winning filmmaker known for works including the Garo-language film Rapture (Rimdogittanga) and Ma.Ama.
Q&A
What happened at FTII Itanagar?
Three students were allegedly confronted by local youths while conducting an academic assignment. The incident reportedly turned physical, with students and a faculty member allegedly assaulted.
When did students suspend academic activities?
The Students’ Council suspended academic activities indefinitely from September 17, one day after the alleged incident.
What are students demanding?
Students are demanding stronger security measures, particularly the deployment of CISF personnel at the institute.
Have any arrests been made?
Yes. Police have arrested two people in connection with the incident.
When will classes resume?
The Students’ Council has said academic activities will remain suspended until concrete measures are taken to address the security concerns.
Location Context
Itanagar is the capital of Arunachal Pradesh and an important educational and cultural centre in Northeast India. The FTII campus in Itanagar is part of the region’s growing film and creative-education ecosystem.
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