Global Manipur Federation has expressed solidarity with Congress MP Angomcha Bimol Akoijam following his dismissal as a professor at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), raising concerns over alleged procedural irregularities in the university’s decision. In a statement issued on October 13, 2026, the organisation called for adherence to legal provisions and institutional rules, while warning that the controversy could divert attention from Manipur’s continuing conflict and humanitarian crisis.
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The federation’s intervention comes amid a wider debate over the university’s handling of sexual harassment complaints against Akoijam, who represents the Inner Manipur constituency in the Lok Sabha. The case has triggered political reactions, questions about institutional accountability and renewed scrutiny of the procedures followed by the university.
Global Manipur Federation Questions JNU’s Decision
In its statement, the federation said the circumstances surrounding Akoijam’s dismissal raised concerns about compliance with statutory provisions, university regulations and established disciplinary procedures.
The organisation urged JNU’s administration and governing bodies to ensure that all relevant rules were followed in handling the matter. It also highlighted the importance of due process when institutions take disciplinary action against faculty members.
The Global Manipur Federation argued that the controversy should not become a reason to undermine public engagement with Manipur’s political and humanitarian challenges. It expressed concern that political exchanges surrounding the MP could weaken the demand for meaningful change in the state.
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Dispute Over Legal and Institutional Procedures
A major concern raised by the federation relates to Section 16 of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013. The provision restricts the publication or communication of information concerning complaints, the identities of the parties and inquiry proceedings, subject to legally permitted exceptions.
The organisation questioned whether the applicable confidentiality requirements had been respected during the handling of the case. Its concerns centre on the need to protect the integrity of the process while ensuring that institutions remain accountable under the law.
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The Global Manipur Federation also referred to objections raised by the Jawaharlal Nehru University Teachers’ Association (JNUTA). The association reportedly questioned whether the university had followed the prescribed procedure for dismissing a faculty member.
According to the concerns cited in the reports, Statute 30 of the JNU Statutes places dismissal authority with the university’s Executive Council. The questions raised by the association relate to the respective powers of the university’s authorities and whether the required institutional process was followed.
These objections remain part of the wider dispute over the dismissal. The legal validity of the university’s decision and the procedural questions raised by the federation and teachers’ association must be distinguished from the underlying allegations.
JNU Dismisses Akoijam After Internal Inquiry
JNU dismissed Akoijam from university service with immediate effect on October 9, following an inquiry by its Internal Committee. The university said the committee had recommended major punishment after examining complaints against the professor, who was associated with the Centre for the Study of Social Systems under the School of Social Sciences.
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The case involves complaints from 11 female students who alleged sexual harassment and inappropriate conduct. The allegations included claims of sexually suggestive remarks and inappropriate behaviour in academic settings.
JNU maintained that it had considered the inquiry findings and followed due process before issuing the dismissal order. Akoijam, however, has challenged the university’s handling of the matter and disputed aspects of the inquiry.
On October 13, reports said he had described the action as a political witch hunt and indicated that he was preparing to challenge the dismissal in court. He also questioned the university administration’s account of the proceedings. These are his claims, and the dispute has yet to be resolved through judicial review.
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The allegations against Akoijam remain a serious matter, and the procedural objections raised by his supporters do not, by themselves, establish that the complaints are unfounded.
Manipur’s Humanitarian Crisis Remains a Central Concern
Beyond the university dispute, the federation stressed that Manipur’s prolonged conflict, displacement and demands for peace require sustained public attention. It warned that intense political exchanges over the MP’s dismissal could push these concerns out of the public discussion.
The state continues to face the consequences of ethnic violence, including displacement and humanitarian hardship. The federation argued that political debate should not overshadow efforts to address these unresolved issues or weaken calls for accountability.
The Global Manipur Federation called for a more rational political discourse, urging public representatives and institutions to focus on substantive challenges facing Manipur alongside the questions raised by the JNU case.
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What Happens Next?
The dispute now involves two distinct questions: the allegations examined by JNU’s Internal Committee and the objections raised over the procedure used to dismiss Akoijam. Both require careful scrutiny, without treating allegations as established criminal guilt or assuming that procedural challenges automatically invalidate the university’s findings.
The federation’s statement adds an international Manipuri organisation’s voice to the debate over the case. Akoijam’s reported plan to challenge the dismissal in court could bring the procedural questions before the judiciary. Meanwhile, the concerns raised by students, the university and other stakeholders remain central to the public discussion.
As the matter develops, transparency within the limits of the law, fair procedures and accountability will be important. The debate also highlights the need to keep Manipur’s continuing humanitarian crisis in focus while allowing the allegations and legal challenges surrounding the MP’s dismissal to be addressed through appropriate processes.
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