TL;DR: Senior journalist Laba Yambem was abducted from his home in Imphal by armed men, allegedly from the UNLF (Pambei group), after he criticized them and Chief Minister Biren Singh. He was released after issuing a video clarification.
In the early hours of February 11, 2025, senior journalist Laba Yambem, aged 69, was forcibly taken from his residence in Imphal by armed individuals believed to be from the United National Liberation Front (UNLF) faction known as Pambei. This incident occurred around 3:30 am, with the assailants breaking into his home and taking him at gunpoint.
Laba has been a vocal critic of Chief Minister Biren Singh, especially during the ongoing ethnic conflicts in Manipur. He has consistently expressed that Biren's removal is essential for restoring peace in the state. On February 10, during a discussion on Northeast Windows titled "New Chief Minister or President’s Rule," Laba advocated for Biren's exit, highlighting concerns about militants under suspension of operation (SoO) agreements causing unrest. Notably, the UNLF (Pambei) signed a peace agreement with the government in 2023 and is perceived to have close ties with Biren Singh.
Following his abduction, Laba was released after agreeing to record a video clarification, stating he shouldn't have made offensive remarks against the UNLF (Pambei). This incident underscores the precarious situation for journalists in Manipur, where expressing dissent can lead to severe repercussions.
This isn't the first time Laba has faced threats. Just days prior, unidentified gunmen fired at his residence, demanding he remove a Facebook post critical of certain armed groups in Manipur. In September 2024, his home was attacked by assailants using INSAS rifles, weapons typically issued only to security forces. Laba attributed these attacks to political motivations, given his outspoken stance against the current administration.
The situation in Manipur remains tense, with ongoing ethnic violence and challenges to press freedom. The abduction and intimidation of journalists like Laba Yambem highlight the urgent need for safeguarding freedom of expression and ensuring the safety of media personnel in the region.
MediaFx Opinion: The abduction of journalist Laba Yambem is a stark reminder of the challenges faced by those who dare to speak truth to power. In a democratic society, the press serves as a watchdog, holding authorities accountable. Such acts of intimidation not only threaten individual journalists but also undermine the very fabric of democracy. It's imperative for the working class and all citizens to stand in solidarity against such oppressive actions, advocating for a society where freedom of expression is upheld, and equality prevails.
