Asem Bhakta Singh
Northeast Correspondence
BANGKOK / DUBAI / LONDON / MELBOURNE / SEOUL: The Global Manipur Federation (GMF) has expressed its solidarity with Professor Angomcha Bimol Akoijam, Member of Parliament from Inner Manipur, over what it described as discouragement of his commendable work and disheartening of growing public inspiration in Manipur.
In a statement issued today, GMF said its concern is to uphold rationality against the prevailing ecosystem of unhealthy political engagement that depreciates the new-found energy in Manipur and extinguishes the long-awaited spirit to save the motherland.
The federation said it does not want the recurring violence and humanitarian crisis facing Manipur to be overshadowed by unproductive political expressions against the MP.
GMF urged the university administration and governing bodies to ensure complete adherence to statutory requirements, institutional statutes and due process in resolving the matter.
The statement pointed out that serious procedural irregularities have reportedly surfaced, raising questions about the validity of the professor’s dismissal. It cited Section 16 of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 (POSH Act), which mandates confidentiality regarding identities of complainant and respondent as well as proceedings and related information.
Meanwhile, the Jawaharlal Nehru University Teachers’ Association (JNUTA) has strongly criticised the Vice-Chancellor’s actions, alleging that prescribed legal and institutional procedures were bypassed. According to JNUTA, under Statute 30 of the JNU Act, the authority to dismiss faculty members rests with the Executive Council rather than the Vice-Chancellor acting unilaterally.
GMF said the campaign surrounding Professor Bimol may have broader effects, including diverting attention from Manipur’s ongoing challenges, weakening emerging calls for political change and shifting public and media focus away from continuing violence, humanitarian concerns and growing protests across the nation.
The statement was issued on behalf of Global Manipur Federation by Mimi Ningjaa (Thailand), Sunil Thokchom (Middle East), Laishram Tiken (Europe), Indira L (Australia) and Jinine (Korea), representing Asia, Africa, America, Australia, Europe, Middle East and New Zealand.
