FTII students protest against attack by ABVP members

Pune: Students of Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) took out a march here today to protest against the alleged assault on some of them by the members of Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP).ABVP activists had barged in during a performance staged by artistes of Kabir Kala Manch (KKM) organised by the FTII students at the National Film Archives of India here last week.[caption id="attachment_1061907" align="alignleft" width="380"] File image of ABVP activists. AFP image[/caption]According to a spokesman of FTII students, the ABVP activists resorted to unruly behaviour alleging that the KKM artistes had an affiliation with Naxal elements.Police said they had registered cross complaints from both the groups and the matter was under investigation. The protesters also raised slogans condemning the murder of rationalist Dr Narendra Dabholkar here last week and also in support of freedom of expression.An ABVP representative said its activists acted in self defence and alleged that the KKM was a "mask" for Naxalite elements.Police, who initially denied permission for the morcha, later allowed after taking a written undertaking assuring peaceful conduct.Meanwhile, the city also witnessed a "silent march" organised by activists of anti-superstition movement alleging delay in nabbing the killers of Dabholkar.PTI