IMPHAL, Oct 10: Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Saturday demanded the resignation of Congress MP Angomcha Bimol Akoijam following his dismissal from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) over sexual harassment complaints.
In a social media post, Singh described the dismissal of Akoijam, who represents the Inner Manipur Lok Sabha constituency, as “deeply disturbing and shameful”. He said the university’s official order stated that its Internal Committee had investigated allegations of sexual harassment against the professor and recommended major punishment.
“Following due process, he has been dismissed from service. Such grave misconduct by a holder of high legislative office and a professor is unacceptable and tarnishes the image of Manipur,” the Chief Minister said.
Emphasising the responsibilities of elected representatives, Singh said an MP was expected to uphold the dignity of Parliament and represent the people’s voice. He argued that conduct compromising that dignity eroded public trust.
“On moral grounds, Prof. Akoijam has lost the moral authority to continue as a public representative and should resign from the Lok Sabha immediately, respecting the sentiment of the people,” Singh said.
Akoijam, a professor at JNU’s Centre for the Study of Social Systems under the School of Social Sciences, has described his dismissal as a “witch hunt” and questioned whether due process was followed.
According to reports, at least 11 female students filed sexual harassment complaints against him in May. The complaints allegedly stated that he invited students to his campus residence under the pretext of meetings or gatherings and attempted to sexually harass them. Some students also alleged that he made obscene and inappropriate remarks in class.
The dismissal order reportedly cited the relevant service rules and Rule 11(ix) of the Central Civil Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules.
The allegations and the circumstances surrounding Akoijam’s dismissal have drawn political attention, with the Chief Minister calling for his resignation while the MP has questioned the process followed by the university.
