ITANAGAR, OCT 10:
The BJP Mahila Morcha Arunachal Pradesh unit staged a sit-in protest in Itanagar on Saturday, condemning allegations of sexual misconduct involving 11 female students against Congress MP and former Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) faculty member Dr Angomcha Bimol Akoijam.
The organisation demanded accountability and strict action in accordance with the law and applicable disciplinary procedures, stressing the need to safeguard women students and ensure a safe environment in educational institutions.
Addressing the media, Itanagar Municipal Corporation Mayor Likha Nari Tadar questioned the Congress leadership’s response to the allegations and sought clarification from party leader Rahul Gandhi. She alleged that the party’s public position on women’s dignity and safety was inconsistent with its handling of the matter.
BJP Mahila Morcha state general secretary Ngarung Nama said 11 female students had reportedly lodged complaints against Akoijam with JNU authorities. According to her, the complaints included allegations of sexually suggestive remarks during examinations and inappropriate advances during interactions at his campus residence.
Nama further stated that the university’s Internal Committee had examined the complaints and that JNU issued an order on October 9 dismissing Akoijam from university service with immediate effect, following the inquiry and its recommendation for major disciplinary action.
Emphasising the importance of trust in the teacher-student relationship, Nama said allegations of such conduct raised serious concerns about students’ safety and confidence in educational institutions. She called for accountability irrespective of an individual’s political position or social standing and urged universities to strengthen mechanisms to prevent sexual harassment.
Nama also referred to reports of alleged inappropriate conduct by Rahul Gandhi towards women police personnel on duty during a protest in New Delhi, seeking clarification from the Congress leader.
The BJP Mahila Morcha reiterated its commitment to women’s dignity, safety and justice, calling for a zero-tolerance approach to sexual harassment and effective institutional safeguards for women and students.
