Manipur: MP Angomcha Bimol Akoijam rejects sexual harassment allegations, calls reports ‘unverified, unethical and illegal’

Manipur Lok Sabha MP Angomcha Bimol Akoijam has rejected allegations of sexual harassment reportedly raised against him by women students of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), describing the reports circulating in the media as “unverified, intentional, unethical and illegal”.

Akoijam made the remarks during his visit to Dhanamanjuri University on the night of September 13, where he interacted with students who are on an indefinite hunger strike over their pending stipend demands.

Responding to questions from the media about the allegations, the MP said the matter would be dealt with through legal proceedings and that the truth would emerge through the court.

He criticised what he described as a “media trial” and said such reporting was condemned even in cases where criminal complaints had been formally registered.

“Media trial is condemned by everybody, even in criminal cases or registered cases. However, now it is thriving on it,” Akoijam said.

The MP also alleged that the manner in which the allegations were being reported reflected racial discrimination, claiming that there would have been a stronger reaction had similar allegations been levelled against an individual from states such as Bihar or Uttar Pradesh.

He referred to himself as a “Chingki professor” and a parliamentarian who has spoken against attempts to silence Manipur, and questioned why there had been limited public reaction to what he described as a media trial against him.

Akoijam further questioned which media organisations were carrying what he termed “propaganda” against him, while asserting that he had nothing to hide.

“I have nothing to hide. The truth will come on my side,” he said.

Reports circulating over the past few days have alleged that 11 women students of JNU have raised sexual harassment complaints against Akoijam. The complaints are reportedly before the JNU Internal Complaints Committee (IC), with the reports claiming that the matter has remained unresolved for nearly four months.

Akoijam has denied the allegations and indicated that he would pursue legal remedies in connection with the reports. The allegations remain unproven and any determination on the matter will depend on the proceedings before the competent authorities and court.