FTII: Students' hunger strike enters day two

PUNE: A sombre mood prevailed at the Film and Television Institute of India campus as the indefinite hunger strike of the three students demanding removal of actor and BJP member Gajendra Chauhan as FTII chairman entered its second day today.

Students at the prestigious institute have been protesting since June 12 over the controversial appointment of Chauhan as chairman of the governing body even as the impasse remains unsolved.

A makeshift pandal housed the fasting students for whom three beds have been put up by their colleagues who also burnt mosquito repellent to take precaution against the dengue virus.

The condition of the students was stable, according to students' representatives.

FTII Director Prashant Pathrabe who visited the students later told reporters that a periodical medical check up would be done on them to ensure their well being.

Asked whether the Information and Broadcasting Ministry had been informed about the hunger strike by the students, Pathrabe replied in the affirmative.

"I have not been told anything," he said when asked what response the Ministry officials came out with when told about the development.

The agitating FTII students who have been boycotting classes for over three months now alleging that Chauhan lacks "credentials and vision" to head the institute.