Director Aashiq Abu Resigns From FEFKA Over Leadership's 'Culpable Silence' On Hema Committee Report

Aashiq Abu Resigns From FEFKA: Director Aashiq Abu has resigned from FEFKA (Film Employees Federation of Kerala). His resignation from the organization's primary membership is a response to the leadership's culpable silence regarding the Hema Committee report.

Full details of the press release shared by Aashiq Abu

"Since the formation of FEFKA in October 2009, I have been a member of this organization. Later, I was elected as an executive member of the Directors' Union in subsequent elections. I have also participated in two or three executive meetings.

In 2012, the union's intervention in my complaint regarding the payment due from a producer was completely unjust. While the same producer was engaged in another film's production, I, along with scriptwriters who had similar complaints, raised the issue with the union. However, even during the release of the film being produced by this same producer, FEFKA did not exert any pressure for the payment of this amount. After a significant delay, I received only half of the amount I was entitled to. The union, which intervened in the complaint, demanded 20% of the amount, which is rightfully ours, as a commission. I received three phone calls in one day from FEFKA's office demanding 20% of the received amount.

I argued with Mr. Sibi Malayil that it was unfair to demand a 20% commission from members who paid regular dues and levies. This led to a verbal altercation between Sibi Malayil and me. Sibi Malayil insisted on the payment. He forced me to pay ten lakhs, even if I insisted that it was unjust for a labor union to demand a commission for intervening in a complaint. With a heavy heart, I wrote the check. I don't know if it was because he realized I wouldn't remain silent or out of protest or resentment at being questioned, but Sibi Malayil returned my check. However, the union collected a 20% 'service charge' from the two other writers who had filed similar complaints. The union never intervened in my case regarding the remaining 50% of the amount owed by the producer, and to this day, I have not received that money.

At this point, I distanced myself from the organization. I continued as a member, paying regular dues and levies as part of a labor union. But after the release of the Hema Committee report, the organization's culpable silence, the few crafted words issued in the name of a press release, the directive to 'with study the matter and then will respond,' and the statement that 'emotional reactions are not needed' deeply disappointed me as a member. The organization, especially its leadership, has failed in fulfilling its social responsibility.

Strongly disagreeing with and protesting against the leadership, which maintains complete hypocrisy in terms of stance, I hereby announce my resignation from the primary membership of FEFKA."