Imphal: A coalition of Delhi-based Manipuri civil society groups is demanding a clean, confidential process in the sexual harassment case involving Lok Sabha MP Prof. Akoijam Bimol and Jawaharlal Nehru University students. The groups want the administration to ditch political interference and media trials immediately. They fear that public leaks and sensational reporting are wrecking reputations and poisoning the inquiry.
The joint statement came from the Meitei Heritage Society, Ningol United Progressive Initiative, Delhi Meetei Co-ordinating Committee, No. 7, and Team Meitei Personalities. These organizations claim that institutional responsibility is slipping. They want the university and its Internal Committee to face a fair audit, specifically citing concerns raised by the JNU Teachers' Association regarding procedural violations. Natural justice remains the priority. The groups stated: "a matter of such sensitivity required procedural integrity, impartiality, confidentiality and institutional responsibility."
The organizations also took aim at political opportunists. They argued that current political games in Delhi and Manipur are burying the need for a truly independent investigation. They find the massive attention on the JNU incident frustrating when compared to the ongoing, ignored crisis back in Manipur. The coalition is now calling on the JNU administration to shield all parties from external pressure while urging the media to stop turning the case into a spectacle that violates individual rights.
Comments