The MP also questioned the media organisations carrying what he described as “propaganda” against him, while maintaining that he had nothing to hide
KRC TIMES Manipur Bureau
IMPHAL | Manipur Lok Sabha MP Angomcha Bimol Akoijam has denied allegations of sexual harassment reportedly made by women students of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), calling the media reports “unverified, intentional, unethical and illegal”.
Akoijam made the remarks during a visit to Dhanamanjuri University on the night of September 13, where he met students staging an indefinite hunger strike over pending stipend payments. Asked about reports alleging sexual harassment complaints against him, Akoijam said the matter would be addressed through legal proceedings and that the truth would ultimately be established by the court.
He also criticised what he described as a “media trial”, arguing that such reporting was unacceptable even when allegations were backed by formally registered criminal complaints.”Media trial is condemned by everybody, even in criminal cases or registered cases. However, now it is thriving on it,” he said.
Akoijam further alleged that the coverage reflected racial discrimination and questioned whether the response would have been different if similar allegations had been made against a person from Bihar or Uttar Pradesh. Referring to himself as a “Chingki professor” and a parliamentarian who has spoken out against attempts to silence Manipur, he questioned the limited public reaction to what he termed a media trial against him.
The MP also questioned the media organisations carrying what he described as “propaganda” against him, while maintaining 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 filed sexual harassment complaints against Akoijam. The complaints are reportedly before the university’s Internal Complaints Committee (ICC), with 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 over the reports. The allegations have not been established. Any finding on the matter will depend on the proceedings before the competent authorities and, if applicable, the courts.
