Political friction has mounted in Manipur as Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh called on Inner Manipur Congress MP Angomcha Bimol Akoijam to surrender his parliamentary seat following his formal removal from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) over sexual harassment allegations. According to the chief minister, the university’s punitive decision leaves the lawmaker without the moral legitimacy required to continue serving as an elected public representative.
Chief Minister Cites Public Trust and Parliamentary Decorum
Addressing the development in a statement on X, Yumnam Khemchand Singh described the termination of the former JNU professor as deeply disturbing and shameful. He emphasized that occupants of elected office carry a strict responsibility to maintain institutional decorum inside Parliament while honoring the trust reposed in them by the electorate.
The chief minister stated that JNU’s Internal Committee investigated the allegations and advised major penalties, which culminated in Akoijam’s dismissal from service. Pointing to the sentiments of the state's residents, the chief minister insisted that Akoijam should step down from his Lok Sabha seat without delay.
University Action Following Student Complaints
JNU terminated Akoijam’s employment with immediate effect on October 9 after concluding its internal inquiry into the matter. The disciplinary proceedings were set in motion after 11 women students submitted formal complaints against him, leading the internal panel to conclude its assessment and recommend dismissal.
Lawmaker Alleges Procedural Lapses and Plans Legal Action
Rejecting the administration’s handling of the inquiry, Akoijam has openly challenged the outcome and raised allegations of procedural violations and political interference influencing the administrative ruling. He maintained that he was never provided the Internal Committee’s detailed findings before being notified of his abrupt termination.
Standing firm on his position, the Congress lawmaker announced that he does not intend to let the decision stand unchallenged and will take the matter to court to contest the dismissal order through formal legal channels.
