Supporters Rally for Manipur MP Amid Controversy Over Allegations
Demonstration in Support of Bimol Akoijam
Supporters of Manipur Congress MP Bimol Akoijam taking out solidarity march in-front of State BJP HQ (Photo: AT)
Imphal, Oct 14: In response to increasing calls for accountability following a police case against Manipur Congress MP Bimol Akoijam regarding alleged sexual misconduct, his supporters organized a march to the BJP headquarters in Manipur on Wednesday, urging the withdrawal of the case.
The demonstrators condemned the accusations against Akoijam, a former professor at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), and voiced their discontent towards state BJP president A Sharda Devi for demanding his resignation.
As the protesters approached the headquarters, police intervened to push them back from the entrance.
In a separate show of support, a sit-in was held outside Akoijam’s home, where attendees expressed solidarity with the MP and criticized the police case.
A social activist involved in the protest labeled the allegations as baseless, highlighting Akoijam's consistent advocacy in Parliament against violence and attacks in Manipur over the last three years.
“We are here today to protest against the unfair allegations directed at Akoijam. He is a well-educated individual who has been vocal in Parliament regarding the violence we have faced,” she stated.
She further claimed that BJP members attempted to disrupt their peaceful demonstration, calling it a clear act of discrimination.
Expressing confidence in Akoijam, she noted that few leaders from Manipur have effectively raised their voices on a national stage as he has, demanding that the allegations be dismissed.
Akoijam reportedly emerged from his residence to address the crowd, thanking his supporters for their backing. He mentioned that he had chosen to remain silent out of respect for the ongoing legal proceedings.
Akoijam while addressing his supporters on Wednesday (Photo: AT)
The controversy stems from Akoijam's dismissal from JNU following an inquiry into sexual harassment claims. Subsequently, Delhi Police filed a case based on a complaint from university officials.
This situation has also elicited a political reaction from BJP women MPs, who indicated they would approach President Droupadi Murmu regarding JNU’s decision to dismiss Akoijam, further intensifying calls for accountability.
Akoijam has refuted the allegations, asserting that the truth should be determined through legal channels. In response to claims about a gathering of 11 students at his residence, he denied the accusations, stating that a court would clarify the facts.
The Congress MP has characterized the police case as a “witch-hunt,” alleging that he is being targeted for his outspoken stance on the issues in Manipur.