Manipur: Senior Journalist Yambem Laba Freed Hours After Abduction By Militants

IMPHAL: A senior journalist in Manipur, Yambem Laba, was abducted by militants early on February 11, 2025, sparking widespread concern. The Press Emblem Campaign (PEC), a global media safety organization, condemned the abduction and called for his immediate and unconditional release. PEC urged both local authorities and the Indian Prime Minister to take swift action to secure Laba’s release.

Journalist Yambem Laba was released several hours after his abduction by the militants who have been engaged in a long-standing conflict with New Delhi.

Laba, 69, was kidnapped from his home in the Uripok locality of Imphal by gunmen, who did not even allow him to change out of his night clothes. A video message released later revealed that Laba had mistakenly referred to the militant group as ‘surrendered,’ though they were actually engaged in a ceasefire agreement with the Indian government.

Laba had recently discussed the ongoing political turmoil in Manipur in a local TV show, following the resignation of the state’s chief minister.

Laba, a former member of the Manipur Human Rights Commission and a journalist with The Statesman, an English Daily, has been actively posting his views on the ongoing crisis in Manipur on social media. His family, deeply concerned about his safety, had not heard from him until his release a few hours after the abduction.

PEC stressed the importance of protecting journalists, even when their views are critical of the state or armed groups. The group also highlighted the ongoing conflict in Manipur, which has led to over 250 deaths and the displacement of more than 60,000 people since May 2023. The authorities quickly launched a search operation to find the missing journalist.

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