ITANAGAR, 10 Oct: The state unit of the BJP's Mahila Morcha staged a sit-in dharna here on Saturday to protest against the alleged sexual misconduct involving 11 female students by Dr Angomcha Bimol Akoijam, a Congress MP and former faculty member of Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi.
The state BJP Mahila Morcha strongly condemned the reported incident and called for strict and exemplary punishment in accordance with the law and applicable disciplinary procedures.
Addressing reporters, Itanagar Municipal Corporation Mayor Likha Nari Tadar questioned the Congress leadership's commitment to women's dignity and safety. She demanded an immediate response from Congress leader Rahul Gandhi regarding the allegations against the party's sitting MP.
She asked whether Gandhi would take responsibility for educating and disciplining his party's MPs and workers on respecting women and maintaining appropriate conduct. She alleged that the Congress party displays double standards on women's issues, and asserted that the Congress leadership must answer these serious questions instead of remaining silent.
State BJP Mahila Morcha general secretary Ngarung Nama stated that 11 female students had reportedly lodged complaints against Dr Akoijam before the JNU authorities. She informed that the university's Internal Committee examined the complaints, which reportedly included allegations of sexually suggestive remarks during examinations and inappropriate advances during interactions at his campus residence.
She also noted that JNU issued an order on 9 October, 2026, dismissing Akoijam from university service with immediate effect, following the Internal Committee's inquiry and recommendation for major disciplinary punishment.
Emphasising the sanctity of the teacher-student relationship, Nama said that teachers and professors are traditionally held in the highest regard in Indian society and are often regarded as guides who shape the character and future of young people. She expressed concern that allegations of this nature undermine students' trust and confidence in educational institutions.
She called for exemplary action in accordance with the law and due process, stressing that no individual, regardless of political position or social standing, should be above accountability. She further urged universities to strengthen mechanisms for preventing sexual harassment and ensuring a safe, respectful learning environment for women students.
Nama also raised concerns over reports of alleged inappropriate conduct by Rahul Gandhi towards women police personnel on duty during a protest in New Delhi. She questioned whether the Congress leadership's actions reflected the respect for women that it publicly advocates, and called upon Gandhi to clarify the matter and apologise to the nation.
The BJP Mahila Morcha reiterated that women's dignity, safety, and justice must remain above party politics. It urged political leaders to demonstrate responsibility through their actions, and called for a zero-tolerance approach to sexual harassment, along with effective institutional safeguards for women and students.
