Inner Manipur MP Bimol Akoijam returned from Delhi after police questioning, said he would approach the court within days and renewed questions over the SoO agreement.
Imphal, Oct. 16: Inner Manipur Lok Sabha MP Dr Angomcha Bimol Akoijam returned to Imphal on Thursday after appearing before Delhi Police in connection with a case involving sexual harassment allegations against him, saying his lawyer was preparing to approach the court and that a petition would be filed within a day or two.
Speaking to reporters at Imphal Airport after arriving at around 2.30 pm, Bimol said he had cooperated with the police during his appearance at Vasant Kunj Police Station in Delhi on Wednesday. He described the police as cooperative and said he would attend whenever required, while requesting that he be given prior notice rather than being summoned abruptly.
Responding to the allegations, the Congress MP said those making accusations should be prepared to face scrutiny if they could not substantiate their claims.
“Those who live in a house of mirrors shouldn’t throw stones at others’ houses,” he said, warning against making allegations that could not be proved.
Bimol said he had faith in the judiciary, although he claimed that his confidence in Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) and its Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) had been completely shaken. He suggested that his legal response was taking time because the developments required careful consideration.
The MP also alleged that the case was an attempt to silence the questions he had raised and the speeches he had delivered in the Lok Sabha. He maintained that if the allegations against him could be proved, the matter should be dealt with accordingly, but questioned what would happen if they could not be substantiated.
Bimol said his personal difficulties were insignificant compared with the hardships faced by thousands of people living in relief camps in Manipur. He urged people to remain calm for the time being, while remarking that the people of Manipur would eventually have an opportunity to settle the issues they had been keeping track of.
During his interaction with the media, Bimol also returned to issues he had raised in Parliament concerning the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement between the Government of India and armed groups.
He said the agreement should be transparent and referred to a submission made on August 10, asking why the matter had not been taken up under Rule 377 in Parliament. He said a response should have been received within a month.
The MP alleged that individuals involved in extortion on highways, inflation-related pressures and illegal taxation included people who had signed SoO agreements with the Centre. He further claimed that such activities were taking place under the watch of security forces.
Bimol also alleged that people involved in the killings at Kalenjang village included individuals covered by the SoO arrangement. He said he had previously called for an investigation into these matters and for the agreement to be revoked.
His remarks followed his appearance before Delhi Police in response to a summons. The allegations against him have not been established as proven facts, and any legal proceedings will have to follow due process.
