NEW DELHI: The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) unit, staged a protest and burnt an effigy at the university’s Main Gate on October 14, demanding the arrest of Congress MP and JNU professor Angomcha Bimol Akoijam in connection with allegations of sexual harassment. ABVP demanded that the police take prompt and impartial action in the case of Angomcha Bimol Akoijam, who has reportedly been dismissed from his position as a professor by the university, and ensure his immediate arrest in accordance with the law.
While Congress raises the slogan “Ladki Hu,Lad Sakti Hu”, its silence following incidents of alleged sexual harassment involving its MPs and MLAs from time to time exposes the party’s hypocritical character. On one hand, the party speaks about women’s safety and rights; on the other, its silence on questions of accountability in serious cases of sexual harassment involving its public representatives reflects its political mindset.
It is noteworthy that a party that claims to champion women’s safety and dignity is maintaining a non-committal stance in this serious matter involving its MP. When an educational institution has already taken action and an FIR has been registered with the police, dismissing the matter merely as a political controversy is unacceptable. Congress must ensure clear accountability in this case, and no political pressure should obstruct action taken in accordance with the law.
This is not the first instance in which individuals associated with Congress or the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) have faced allegations of sexual exploitation; individuals associated with Congress have faced allegations in such cases in the past as well. The safety, dignity and respect of women students in educational institutions must remain paramount. No individual’s political position, influence or organisational affiliation should serve as grounds for evading accountability before the law. We demand that the Delhi Police act without any political pressure and ensure a safe academic environment for women students.
JNU ABVP Unit President Mayank Panchal said, “Women’s safety must not remain confined to slogans and speeches. Congress, which speaks about women’s rights through campaigns such as ‘I Am a Girl, I Can Fight’, must also adopt a clear and accountable position on serious cases involving its public representatives. Following an inquiry by the university’s internal committee into complaints by women students at JNU, Angomcha Bimol Akoijam has reportedly been dismissed from his position as a professor, and an FIR has also been registered in the matter. ABVP’s unequivocal demand is that the accused be arrested immediately and that an impartial investigation be ensured. Different standards based on political convenience are unacceptable on the issue of women’s safety. Women students must receive justice, and no form of political patronage should obstruct the course of law.”
JNU ABVP Unit Secretary Praveen Kumar Piyush said, “ABVP has consistently raised its voice for the safety and justice of women students at JNU. Our position is clear: no one’s political position or influence should come in the way of impartial legal action. Congress must ensure accountability in serious cases involving its public representatives, in keeping with its publicly stated position on women’s rights. ABVP demands the immediate arrest of Angomcha Bimol Akoijam, an impartial investigation into the matter, and further action in accordance with the law. The safety, dignity and justice of women students are far more important than the image of any political party.”
