New Delhi, Aug 26: The Republican Party of India (Athawale) [RPI(A)] Secretary, Maheshwar Thounaojam, strongly condemned the recent report released by the People’s Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL) on the Manipur conflict, terming it “biased, misleading, and malicious.”
Addressing a press conference at 11 Safdarjung Road, New Delhi, Maheshwar Thounaojam said the August 20 report presented at the Press Club of India unfairly vilifies the Meitei community and attempts to legitimize separatist narratives.
“The allegations made against the Meitei community are baseless and unfounded. This so-called report misrepresents timelines, ignores ground realities, and demonises the indigenous people of Manipur. We demand a legal investigation into PUCL and call for the organisation to be banned for its divisive and malicious activities,” Maheshwar Thounaojam, Secretary, RPI(A), said.
The press meet was also attended by Minaketan Patnaik, Founder and Chairman, International Human Rights Defenders (IHRD), and Harish Kohli, National General Secretary, IHRD. Both leaders extended their support to the people of Manipur, criticising PUCL’s one-sided approach.
Minaketan Patnaik, Founder & Chairman, IHRD, said that their independent ground-level investigation revealed PUCL’s claims to be “false, unethical, and damaging to the Meitei community.” He further stated that memorandums have been submitted to the President of India, Prime Minister of India, the National Human Rights Commission, and even the Secretary General of the United Nations, demanding strict action against PUCL.
Harish Kohli, National General Secretary, IHRD, added:
“It is shocking that PUCL has published such a defamatory and biased report without credible evidence. They have no right to malign an entire community. The organisation should be banned immediately.”
The leaders collectively condemned PUCL for attempting to destroy the image of Manipur and its indigenous communities, warning that such biased narratives could further destabilize the fragile peace in the state.
They urged the people of Manipur to remain united in the face of “false propaganda” and appealed to authorities at the national and international levels to take stringent measures against PUCL.
