Pune: The agitating FTII students today said they would withdraw their hunger strike to pave way for a dialogue with the government if the I&B Ministry confirmed a date for talks to resolve their demands including removal of actor Gajendra Chauhan from the institute's chairmanship.
The FTII students' Association (FSA) leader Vikas Urs said, "we have responded to the Ministry's letter dated September 24, in which it requested us to withdraw (107 day) strike and hunger strike (17 day) to create a conducive environment for a dialogue. We have offered to withdraw our ongoing hunger strike if the government confirms a date and venue for the proposed meeting."
He said the FSA had always kept the channels of communication with the government open and expressed its willingness to have a dialogue to resolve the issues raised by them, including setting up of a transparent mechanism for appointments on the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) governing body.
Meanwhile, the general strike by the students, who have been boycotting classes since June 12 entered its 107th day today as academic activity on the campus continued to be at a standstill.
The FSA, backed by some film personalities and alumni, has questioned the credentials of Chauhan to head the FTII, demanding his removal as its chairman along with some other members from the FTII Society.
The students have been on a relay hunger strike in batches of three as part of intensification of their agitation.
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