The Global Manipur Federation (GMF) has expressed solidarity with Congress MP and Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) professor Angomcha Bimol Akoijam, questioning the procedural validity of the action against him and warning that the controversy could divert attention from Manipur’s continuing violence and humanitarian crisis.
In a statement issued by Mimi Ningjaa, Sunil Thokchom, Laishram TK, Indira L and Jinine Lc on behalf of the Global Manipur Federation said, the global organisation representing Manipuris across Asia, Africa, the Americas, Australia, Europe, the Middle East and New Zealand said the campaign against Akoijam risked discouraging his public engagement and undermining the growing demand for a healthier political culture in Manipur.
GMF said the controversy should not overshadow the state’s unresolved conflict, the suffering of displaced people and the continuing calls for accountability and peace. It expressed concern that political attacks against the MP could shift public and media attention away from these pressing issues.
The organisation urged the JNU administration and its governing bodies to ensure strict compliance with statutory provisions, institutional statutes and due process while dealing with the matter.
Raising questions over the reported dismissal, GMF pointed to alleged procedural irregularities and referred to Section 16 of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013, which restricts the publication or disclosure of information relating to complaints, identities and inquiry proceedings, subject to the exceptions provided under the law.
The federation’s statement comes amid criticism from the Jawaharlal Nehru University Teachers’ Association (JNUTA), which has questioned the procedure followed in the case. JNUTA has reportedly argued that under Statute 30 of the JNU Statutes, the Executive Council holds the authority to dismiss faculty members and that the prescribed institutional process must be followed.
