Mirabai dismisses allegations against Bimol

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Oct 11 : As the war of words between the Congress and the BJP intensifies over the dismissal of Prof Bimol Akoijam from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), former Minister AK Mirabai has urged BJP Manipur  president and Rajya Sabha MP A Sharda Devi to "sweep her own courtyard first".
Addressing the media at Toubungkhok today, Mirabai accused the BJP of levelling baseless allegations against Prof Bimol to deflect attention from its failure to stop the bloodshed and recurring violence in Manipur over the past three years.
Stating that Prof Bimol had no record of misconduct throughout his career spanning over 30 years, including his work as a social activist, the Congress leader alleged that the BJP is trying to frame the Inner Manipur Lok Sabha MP to gain political mileage.
Mirabai further alleged that the BJP has been attempting to tarnish Prof Bimol’s image as he has emerged as an influential figure in raising various issues both inside and outside Parliament.
People do not accept the charges levelled against Prof Bimol, she said.
The Congress leader further stated that Prof Bimol has been playing an immense role as a Parliamentarian to restore normalcy in Manipur.
Claiming that there is no evidence to substantiate the sexual harassment charges levelled against the MP, she added the BJP puting efforts to discredit him, instead of working to resolve the ongoing crisis is unfortunate.
She also accused Rajya Sabha MP and BJP Manipur president A Sharda Devi of spreading falsehoods.
Claiming that the people of Manipur do not believe the charges levelled by Sharda Devi against Prof Bimol, the Congress leader urged her to think before making public statements.
Mirabai also questioned why Sharda Devi  remained silent over the various atrocities in Manipur since May 3, 2023, including the merciless killing of six people including infant in Jiribam, the disappearance of Linthoingambi and Hemanjit, and the killing of six Liangmai Naga men, among other incidents.
10 civilians were killed just yesterday, she further said.