Imphal: The women’s wing of the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) has condemned the reported dismissal of Inner Manipur MP Angomcha Bimol Akoijam from his professorship at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU).
It has also criticised a BJP-led campaign demanding his resignation from Parliament.
Speaking at a press conference at COCOMI’s office in Imphal on Friday, the organisation’s women’s wing convenor Luwangleima and co-convenor RK Tharaksana questioned the university’s handling of recent sexual harassment allegations made by students.
They said the immediate termination bypassed established legal procedures and due process.
The leaders also criticised the political mobilisation surrounding the controversy, particularly a recent protest rally led by BJP Manipur president and Rajya Sabha MP A. Sharda Devi.
They said public campaigns could influence public opinion and pre-empt judicial outcomes before the allegations were properly investigated by a court.
The representatives said they would not support Akoijam if he were found guilty. However, they maintained that the case required fairness, transparency and sufficient time for a proper investigation.
They also said Akoijam remained an important voice for Manipur, as he had consistently raised the issues and concerns of the Manipuri people in Parliament.