10 months ago
Manipur Journalists Union Demands Apology from PUCL Over Defamatory Report
Journalists in Manipur, represented by the All Manipur Working Journalists Union (AMWJU), are upset with a report from the People's Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL).
AMWJU says the report wrongly accused them of being biased and unfair in their reporting during the Manipur conflict.
They also claim the report falsely linked them to threats against other journalists and used unfair language.
AMWJU denies all these accusations, stating the report was not verified and they weren't asked for their side of the story.
They've sent a legal notice demanding PUCL take back the report and apologize.
If PUCL doesn't comply, AMWJU plans to sue them for defamation.
The PUCL report also mentioned the former Chief Minister and security forces' alleged roles in the violence, which the Meitei community felt was one-sided.
PUCL recommended an investigation into the ethnic violence.
The All Manipur Working Journalists Union (AMWJU) has issued a legal notice to the People's Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL).
AMWJU demands PUCL withdraw its report and issue a public apology, citing baseless and defamatory allegations against journalists.
Specific accusations against AMWJU in the PUCL report include being labeled 'godi media' and having a partisan bias.
AMWJU denies all allegations, stating the report lacks verification and violated natural justice by not contacting them.
If PUCL does not respond, AMWJU plans to file civil and criminal defamation cases.
- Who
- The All Manipur Working Journalists Union (AMWJU) and the People's Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL)
- What
- AMWJU issued a legal notice to PUCL demanding withdrawal of its report and a public apology, citing baseless, unverified, and defamatory allegations against journalists. AMWJU threatened to file civil and criminal defamation cases if demands are not met.
- Where
- Manipur and Delhi
- When
- The legal notice was issued on Thursday, following the publication of the PUCL report.
- Why
- AMWJU alleges the PUCL report contains defamatory and unsubstantiated claims against the union and journalists, damaging their reputation and credibility, and was published in violation of natural justice without contacting AMWJU.
AMWJU's Stance
PUCL's Allegations (as reported)
Allegations of Bias and Partisanship
AMWJU's Stance
AMWJU denies allegations of being 'godi media' and having a 'decisive role' in carrying biased news stories, stating these claims are baseless and defamatory.
PUCL's Allegations (as reported)
The PUCL report claims AMWJU has a 'decisive role' in killing or carrying news stories with a partisan bias and uses 'communal and irresponsible terminology like 'Imphal-based Meitei media''.
Connection to Threats and Coercion
AMWJU's Stance
AMWJU refutes the imputation that it is connected to threats and coercion against journalists, considering it a defamatory claim that misrepresents their norms.
PUCL's Allegations (as reported)
The PUCL report created a 'defamatory imputation that AMWJU is connected to threats and coercion against journalists'.
Verification and Due Process
AMWJU's Stance
AMWJU states the PUCL report's allegations are based on unverified hearsay and were published in violation of natural justice, as AMWJU was not contacted for its version.
PUCL's Allegations (as reported)
The PUCL report is based on media testimonies and meetings with survivors and individuals in Manipur and Delhi.
Media's Role in Conflict
AMWJU's Stance
AMWJU is dedicated to journalistic ethics and freedom of the press.
PUCL's Allegations (as reported)
The PUCL report concluded that violence was orchestrated, enabled by armed Meitei vigilante groups, and facilitated by state complicity and law enforcement failures. The Meitei community alleged the report was thin on the involvement of Kuki militants.
Key facts
- Journalist Union
- All Manipur Working Journalists Union (AMWJU)
- Non-profit Organization
- People's Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL)
- AMWJU's Action
- Sent legal notice to PUCL demanding report withdrawal and public apology. Threatens civil suit for damages and criminal defamation case under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023 within 30 days.
- PUCL Report's Allegations against AMWJU
- Labeled 'godi media', partisan bias in news coverage, connected to threats and coercion against journalists, used 'communal and irresponsible terminology'.
- PUCL Report's Findings on Manipur Crisis
- Violence orchestrated by armed Meitei vigilante groups, facilitated by state complicity and law enforcement failures. Alleged partisan role of former CM N. Biren Singh and complicity of state security forces in arming non-state actors.
- PUCL Recommendations
- Setting up of a special investigating team (SIT) under Supreme Court supervision to probe ethnic violence, hate speeches, and role of security forces.
- Manipur Governor's Statement
- Urged journalists to uphold truth, ethical values, and maintain restraint in their work.
Quotes
Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum (ITLF)
a leading Kuki-Zo organisation
“The NFSL’s recent statement to the Supreme Court — claiming it is “not in a position” to confirm the authenticity or identify the voice due to alleged tampering — is deeply troubling. Such evasion from a government-run institution raises serious concerns about bias and accountability in a case involving grave human rights violations.”
telegraphindia.com
“the recordings clearly expose his (Biren’s) complicity in the violence… Continued denial and contradictory reports only extend the trauma of the victims and obstruct the truth...”
telegraphindia.com
Manipur government
the state government of Manipur
“doctored”
telegraphindia.com
“likelihood of inciting hatred and mistrust amongst communities”
telegraphindia.com
ITLF
an organisation
“...ITLF reaffirms that their sacrifices will continue to inspire our collective struggle for political recognition and lasting peace for the Kuki-Zo people.”
telegraphindia.com
“respect and mourning”
telegraphindia.com
Truth Labs
an independent and reputable forensic agency
“conclusively identified a 93 per cent voice match with Biren Singh. This scientific evidence remains unchallenged, except by government-controlled bodies seemingly serving political interests”
telegraphindia.com
Sources
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