Ukhrul, November 6: The All Manipur Working Journalists’ Union (AMWJU) has served a legal notice to the People’s Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL), accusing it of publishing “baseless and defamatory” allegations against the journalists’ body in a recent report on the Manipur conflict.
In a joint press release issued on Thursday, AMWJU and the Editors’ Guild Manipur (EGM) demanded the immediate and unconditional withdrawal of the report and a public apology from PUCL. The union alleged that the report, which claims to include testimonies from media persons in Manipur, contained several serious inaccuracies and unverified claims that have damaged the reputation of journalists in the state.
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The legal notice, drafted by Advocate Hijam Chandrakumar—who also serves as a member of the Media Legal Committee formed jointly by AMWJU and EGM—accuses PUCL of falsely branding AMWJU as “Godi media” and suggesting it played a “decisive role” in spreading partisan news. It also objects to imputations linking the union to threats or coercion against journalists and to the use of terms such as “Imphal-based Meitei media,” which the union described as “communal and irresponsible.”
AMWJU said PUCL’s report misrepresented its membership rules and legal framework, creating a misleading impression that the body deliberately excluded certain journalists. The union stressed that its membership is open to all working journalists employed by RNI-registered publications, as per its constitution and relevant laws.
“The reckless publication of these statements has caused immense harm to the reputation and credibility that AMWJU has built over decades,” Advocate Chandrakumar said. He warned that if PUCL fails to withdraw its report and apologise within 30 days, the union would pursue legal action, including a civil suit for damages and a criminal defamation case under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.
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AMWJU reaffirmed its commitment to defending press freedom and protecting journalists’ rights in Manipur. “We remain dedicated to upholding the highest standards of professional journalism,” the statement said.
