Manipur Lok Sabha MP Angomcha Bimol Akoijam has rejected allegations of sexual harassment reportedly made by women students of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), describing the reports circulating in the media as “unverified, intentional, unethical and illegal”.
Akoijam spoke about the issue during his visit to Dhanamanjuri University on the night of September 13. He was there to interact with students who have been observing an indefinite hunger strike over pending stipend demands.
Responding to questions from reporters about the allegations, the MP said the matter would be addressed through legal proceedings and that the truth would ultimately be established through the court. He also criticised what he described as a “media trial” surrounding the allegations.
“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 reporting of the allegations reflected racial discrimination. He questioned whether there would have been a stronger public response if similar allegations had been made against a person from states such as Bihar or Uttar Pradesh.
Referring to himself as a “Chingki professor” and a parliamentarian who has spoken against attempts to silence Manipur, Akoijam questioned the limited public reaction to what he described as a media trial against him.
He also questioned the media organisations that were carrying what he called “propaganda” against him and maintained that he had nothing to hide.
“I have nothing to hide. The truth will come on my side,” he said.
Reports circulating in recent days have alleged that 11 women students of JNU have raised sexual harassment complaints against Akoijam. The complaints are reportedly before the university’s Internal Complaints Committee (IC), with reports claiming that the matter has remained unresolved for nearly four months.
Akoijam has denied the allegations and said he would pursue legal remedies in connection with the reports. The allegations have not been established, and any finding on the matter will depend on the proceedings before the competent authorities and the court.
The controversy comes as Akoijam continues to engage with students and other groups in Manipur. During his September 13 visit to Dhanamanjuri University, his interaction with students was primarily focused on their ongoing protest over pending stipend payments.
