IMPHAL: The Coordinating Body of Trade Unions, Manipur, on Saturday raised concerns over alleged procedural irregularities in the proceedings of the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), along with actions attributed to the university’s Vice-Chancellor in a case involving Prof. Bimol Akoijam.

Addressing a press conference at Irawat Bhawan on BT Road in Imphal, the trade union leaders called for an impartial and transparent examination of the proceedings, stressing the need to uphold due process, institutional accountability and the principles of natural justice.

The press meet was addressed by Kshetrimayum Santa, convenor of the Coordinating Body of Trade Unions, Manipur, its chairman L. Sotinkumar, and Yumnam Ranapratap, president of INTUC Manipur. Leaders representing AITUC, CITU, TUCC, UTUC, INTUC and various independent federations and associations were also present.

In their statement, the trade union body said the alleged irregularities in the ICC proceedings required an independent review to determine whether the prescribed procedures had been followed and whether the rights of all concerned had been protected.

The leaders also called for a review of the actions attributed to the JNU Vice-Chancellor in light of the applicable laws, university regulations, service rules and principles of natural justice. They referred to the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013, the Central Civil Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules, 1965, and relevant University Grants Commission regulations.

The body further expressed concern over the possibility of political interference or the politicisation of the institutional proceedings. It alleged that the controversy could be used by the BJP and its political allies to serve partisan interests or divert attention from the continuing crisis in Manipur.

The trade union leaders also raised concerns that the controversy might affect Prof. Akoijam’s public engagement and his efforts to raise issues concerning the situation in Manipur in Parliament and beyond. However, the statement acknowledged that allegations of political conspiracy or deliberate interference must be established through credible evidence and examined through appropriate institutional and democratic processes.

With the Manipur Legislative Assembly election approaching, the body cautioned against the possible use of the controversy for electoral or partisan purposes. It said the people of Manipur deserved transparent governance, institutional accountability and an informed public debate on the state’s continuing crisis.

Among its key demands, the Coordinating Body called for an impartial examination of the alleged procedural lapses, a review of the Vice-Chancellor’s actions, strict adherence to applicable laws and regulations, and protection against political interference in institutional proceedings.

It also sought a reasoned and legally sustainable decision based on evidence and due process, along with accountability if any violations were established through a fair inquiry.

Emphasising the importance of institutional independence, the trade union body said the credibility of JNU depended on fair procedures, transparent decision-making and accountability. It maintained that all concerned must be treated fairly and that no institutional process should be influenced by considerations unrelated to the applicable rules and law.