UKHRUL: A video is circulating on WhatsApp showing step-by-step instructions by a woman in Kuki language allegedly encouraging people to mass report Ukhrul Times on Instagram digital platform.
Ukhrul Times views coordinated attempts to misuse reporting systems against independent media as a serious concern. While criticism and disagreement are part of a democratic society, organised efforts to suppress journalism through mass reporting undermine press freedom and the public’s right to information.
The issue extends beyond a single media organisation. Coordinated attempts to weaponise reporting mechanisms against news platforms threaten the principles of press freedom, open discourse, and the public’s right to access information. Reporting tools on digital platforms are intended to address genuine violations, not to suppress journalism through organised “mass reporting”.
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We urge digital news platforms to take note of the misuse of reporting mechanisms and to safeguard independent journalism from coordinated targeting as we publish the video to our readers and supporters.
We also appeal to civil society, journalist bodies, digital rights advocates, and readers across communities to recognise the broader implications of such actions. Today it may target one newsroom; tomorrow it may be any independent voice.
Ukhrul Times remains committed to ethical journalism, factual reporting, and serving the public interest without fear or favor. Allegations that our media organisation is funded or backed by any underground or overground groups in Ukhrul District or for that matter in Northeast, India or abroad, are entirely false and baseless. Attempts at digital intimidation will not deter us from continuing our work responsibly, independently, and professionally.