Bimol Akoijam to challenge JNU dismissal amid Manipur protests

Congress MP Bimol Akoijam has announced plans to legally challenge his dismissal from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) following sexual harassment allegations. Akoijam, a professor at the university’s Centre for the Study of Social Systems, was dismissed on October 9 after an inquiry into complaints filed by at least 11 female students. He has denied the charges and stated that his legal team is preparing a case to challenge the order.

In Manipur, the allegations have triggered political friction. Members of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) youth wing staged a protest in Imphal outside the Congress Bhavan, demanding Akoijam’s resignation and justice for the students. Protesters carried placards calling for his removal, while police prevented them from entering the premises.

The Congress party has criticized the BJP’s actions, accusing the ruling party of using the controversy to divert public attention from ongoing violence and the crisis involving internally displaced persons in Manipur. Akoijam has appeared before investigators at the Vasant Kunj North Police Station in Delhi and stated he will cooperate with the ongoing investigation.