The Society of A•chik Film & Entertainment (S.A.F.E.) has strongly condemned the alleged physical attack on National Award-winning Meghalaya filmmaker Dominic M. Sangma, calling for an immediate investigation and action against those responsible.
According to a statement issued by S.A.F.E. on Thursday, September 17, Sangma was returning from an evening stroll when he intervened after allegedly seeing a few new students being attacked by a group near the campus gate of the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Itanagar Campus. Sangma is a faculty member at the institute.
S.A.F.E. described the incident as an attack not only on a filmmaker and educator but also on artistic freedom, cultural expression and academic integrity. The organisation expressed solidarity with Sangma and demanded immediate action.
The organisation called for a thorough investigation by authorities in Arunachal Pradesh, prosecution of those responsible, enhanced security for artists and faculty members at educational institutions, and an assurance from the Arunachal Pradesh government that artists and academics would be protected.
S.A.F.E. also appealed to the Ministry of Culture, Ministry of Education, FTII administration and human rights organisations to intervene to ensure Sangma’s safety and that justice is delivered.
