Congress Member of Parliament Angomcha Bimol Akoijam has announced his intention to contest his recent dismissal from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) in court. This decision follows allegations of sexual harassment that led to his removal from the university on October 9. Akoijam stated that he would file his challenge within a day or two, expressing confidence in his position should the allegations not be substantiated.

Upon returning to Imphal after appearing before the Delhi Police, Akoijam addressed reporters, asserting that if the charges were proven, he would accept the consequences. However, he emphasised that if they were not, he would resume his professional responsibilities. He has indicated that his legal team is preparing to initiate proceedings against the university’s actions.

Akoijam has called for calm among his supporters and the public in Manipur, urging them to maintain peace during this tumultuous period. He acknowledged the fragility of institutions and expressed his commitment to cooperating with the ongoing investigation while seeking legal recourse.

Support from Constituents

Upon his return, a significant number of supporters gathered at Imphal International Airport to welcome Akoijam. This show of solidarity followed his appearance before investigators in Delhi regarding the allegations against him. He has also made a plea to the media, urging them to highlight the humanitarian crisis currently affecting Manipur.

It is particularly the situation of thousands of internally displaced persons (IDPs) residing in relief camps. Akoijam pointed out the ongoing lawlessness in the region, the challenges surrounding buffer zones, and the disruption of education for students. He believes these pressing issues require continuous public attention, stating that the suffering of displaced families is of greater concern than his own predicament.

In his remarks, Akoijam expressed empathy for the hardships faced by the displaced population, asserting that their pain surpasses his own. He alleged that the actions taken against him are part of a broader attempt to suppress his voice and influence.

Details of Allegations and University Actions

Angomcha Bimol Akoijam, who served as a professor at the Centre for the Study of Social Systems within JNU’s School of Social Sciences, was dismissed following an inquiry into allegations made by at least eleven students. The complaints suggest that he invited students to his residence under the guise of meetings and subsequently attempted to harass them.

The Delhi Police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) against Akoijam, based on a complaint filed by JNU’s chief security officer. The charges include sections related to sexual harassment and actions intended to insult the modesty of a woman, among other offences. Akoijam has categorically denied these allegations, labelling the inquiry conducted by the university’s Internal Complaints Committee as unfair and likening it to a “khap panchayat.”

It is a term used to describe traditional village councils in India. He has further claimed that the complaints lodged against him are politically motivated, suggesting that his dismissal is part of a larger agenda to undermine his position and influence. As the situation unfolds, the focus remains on the legal proceedings that Akoijam intends to pursue and the ongoing investigation into the allegations against him.

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