‘A mockery of gender justice’: MP Bimol Akoijam questions handling of JNU sexual harassment allegations

Congress MP from Manipur Angomcha Bimol Akoijam has questioned the sexual harassment allegations levelled against him at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) in Delhi, alleging that the controversy reflects how people from the Northeast are treated in the country. He has also welcomed the registration of an FIR in connection with the case, saying its merits should be examined in court rather than debated through what he described as a “khap panchayat” at the university.

Speaking in Imphal, Akoijam disputed allegations that he had sought sexual favours in exchange for marks, claiming that the allegation did not figure in the complaint or the leaked material he had seen.

“They said that I have asked for sex for marks. Is it even in their leaked allegations? It is not there; it is not in the complaint,” he said.

Questioning the handling of the matter, the Congress MP referred to the number and composition of those allegedly involved in making complaints. He claimed that 15 people were involved out of a group of 97 students, including boys, and questioned whether male students could file complaints under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, commonly known as the POSH Act.

“This is a complete mockery of a system that is established in order to protect and do gender justice,” Akoijam said.

His remarks also touched on what he described as the treatment of people from the Northeast compared with those holding positions of political power in the country.

“I keep asking, would they do this had it been a powerful minister, an MP or MLA from the so-called mainstream,” he said.

Akoijam further indicated that the controversy had prompted him to reflect on his connection with Manipur after years of serving the country. He said he would return to the state and seek to reconnect with his roots.

“If you think that after serving this country like that you can treat me like this, then you will see the implication of that,” he said.

On the registration of an FIR in connection with the allegations, the Congress MP said he welcomed the development and maintained that the matter should be decided through legal proceedings.

“It is good. The merit of the case can be discussed in the court, rather than that ‘khap panchayat’ in JNU,” he said.

The allegations against Akoijam and his response to them are yet to be adjudicated by a court. His claims regarding the contents of the complaint and the applicability of the POSH Act remain his stated position.