Inner Manipur MP Dr Angomcha Bimol Akoijam returned to Imphal today after travelling to New Delhi in connection with the sexual harassment case linked to Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), with a large number of supporters welcoming him at Imphal International Airport.
Speaking to reporters on arrival, Bimol said his lawyers were preparing to challenge the actions taken against him and that a legal filing was expected within a day or two. He said he would continue to cooperate with the investigation while pursuing legal remedies.
“My lawyers are preparing because we have to be very cautious. Institutions are so fragile now,” he said, adding that he intended to challenge the actions taken against him through the legal process.
Appealing for calm in Manipur, the MP urged people not to allow the controversy to trigger further tension. He said his priority was to seek justice and oppose what he described as injustice, while asking supporters to remain peaceful.
Bimol also urged media organisations to shift greater attention to the plight of internally displaced persons (IDPs), continuing lawlessness, buffer-zone concerns and the disruption of students’ education amid the ongoing crisis.
“If they have thrown me out, it is well and good if they have proved it right. If it is not proven, I will continue to do my work,” he said, referring to his removal from his position at JNU.
Questioning what he described as misplaced public priorities, Akoijam said thousands of people were still living in relief camps and urged the media to highlight their suffering.
“I don’t think my pain is anything greater than the pain of these people,” he said, calling for greater coverage of the hardships faced by displaced families.
Bimol had appeared before investigators at Vasant Kunj North Police Station in New Delhi on Thursday night after being summoned in connection with the case. The allegations remain subject to the ongoing legal and investigative process.