AMWJU Hits Back at PUCL, Serves Legal Notice Over ‘Defamatory’ Report

Imphal, November 6, 2025: The All Manipur Working Journalists Union (AMWJU) has fired a legal salvo at the People’s Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL), serving a formal notice demanding the immediate withdrawal of what it terms a “baseless, unverified, and defamatory” report targeting journalists in Manipur, along with a public apology.

Drafted by Advocate Hijam Chandrakumar, the notice contests PUCL’s allegations that AMWJU operates as “Godi media,” is linked to threats against journalists, and promotes communal biases through selective reporting. AMWJU further accused the report of misrepresenting its membership rules and the legal framework regulating media ownership.

In a joint statement, Khwairakpam Naoba, General Secretary of AMWJU, and Yumnam Rupachandra, Secretary General of the Editors’ Guild of Manipur (EGM), categorically rejected all claims. They underscored that AMWJU’s membership is governed by its constitution, national laws, and state DIPR guidelines, open to all working journalists employed by RNI-registered publications. The union also criticized the report for relying on unverified hearsay and violating principles of natural justice, as AMWJU was never consulted.

“The reckless publication of these statements has caused severe damage to the reputation and credibility of AMWJU,” said Advocate Chandrakumar. “If PUCL does not comply within 30 days, we will initiate legal action, including civil and criminal proceedings under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023.”

AMWJU reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to safeguarding journalists’ rights and upholding the highest standards of professional journalism in Manipur.