Dr Angomcha Bimol Akoijam: Academic, Activist, And Inner Manipur's Voice In Parliament
Dr Angomcha Bimol Akoijam, a distinguished academic and seasoned activist, has made momentous strides in the political sphere by winning the Inner Manipur Lok Sabha seat in the 2024 elections, defeating the BJP candidate and state Education Minister Thounaojam Basanta Kumar Singh by a substantial margin of 109,801 votes, Dr Akoijam’s victory marks a phenomenal moment for the Congress party in Manipur.
Dr Akoijam was born and raised in Keishamthong Top Leirak, Imphal West, Manipur. Akoijam, who is in his 50s has a pedantic background with an MA and PhD in psychology. He currently serves as a professor at the Centre for the Study of Social Systems in Jawaharlal Nehru University’s School of Social Sciences. His academic journey includes teaching stints at Delhi University and the Centre for the Study of Developing Societies, reflecting his deep engagement with scholarly pursuits and public discourse.
Dr Akoijam is renowned for his involvement in public issues and democratic movements, particularly concerning ethnic tensions in Manipur. Long before the violent clashes between the Kuki-Zo tribes and the Meiteis erupted in May 2023, he had been a vocal advocate for addressing these simmering conflicts. His consistent efforts to bring attention to these issues have earned him widespread respect and support, especially among young and first-time voters in the Inner Manipur constituency.
The Congress party’s decision to field Dr Akoijam as their candidate was strategic, tapping into his credibility and recognition as an outspoken academic capable of representing Manipur’s concerns at the national level. Party sources indicate that there was a concerted effort to introduce him to older voters as well, highlighting his potential to bridge generational gaps and address diverse electoral concerns.
Dr. Akoijam is one of the few academics from Manipur who is frequently featured in the media discussing issues related to governance and rights. His supporters believed that he had the potential to become a strong Member of Parliament for Manipur, capable of bringing the state’s issues to a wider audience and gaining national attention.
In a recent interview with THE WEEK magazine, he explained that Manipur has become a state of violence, with the situation worsening due to the government’s negligence on Manipur issues. He stated that the government should ensure law and order and guide people toward a civic life. His interviews and discussions are always on top hits as people listen attentively to his understated manner of speaking and communication.
He is also a curious adventurer of cinema as he uses that information among students in many of the courses he teaches at JNU. He has been among the major jury members in film festivals across India. He featured his documentary Lang-Goi Challabee (Paradise Under Siege) in 2004 and made a feature film in 2014.
