Senior journalist Yambem Laba’s abduction by armed men has raised alarm over the safety of journalists in Manipur. Despite the high-profile nature of the case, the police have failed to identify the perpetrators, leaving questions unanswered. Laba’s forced televised apology to a militant group only amplifies the growing threats to freedom of expression in the state.
BY PC Bureau
Nearly a week has passed since the shocking abduction and release of senior journalist Yambem Laba from his residence in Imphal, yet no arrests have been made in connection with the harrowing incident. Laba, known for his fearless reporting on sensitive issues in Manipur, was forcibly taken by nearly two dozen armed men from his home, an event that has left the state’s journalistic community rattled and the police under increasing scrutiny.
Despite the gravity of the situation, the Manipur Police have yet to apprehend any suspects. An online query by Power Corridors, seeking information on the action taken by the police, including the identification and arrest of those responsible, remains unanswered. This lack of response only deepens concerns over the state of law enforcement and the protection of journalists in Manipur.
How could the police fail to identify the men involved in such a brazen abduction, especially when it took at least two dozen individuals to abduct Laba? With so many perpetrators involved, the question arises: how is it that no progress has been made in identifying the culprits? Doesn’t the police have access to Laba’s own interrogation, which could have provided crucial details about the attackers’ identities? How could a kidnapping of this scale occur in the state capital without any clear leads or arrests? The silence from the authorities is deafening, and it casts a shadow on their competence in tackling high-profile criminal acts.
Threat to Press Freedom in Manipur
The abduction and subsequent release of Laba raise serious questions about the growing threats to press freedom in the region. Sources suggest that the abduction may have been orchestrated by the United National Liberation Front of Manipur (UNLF-P), a militant group known for its stronghold in the area. After his release, Laba was seen on television tendering a public apology to the militant group, a stark indication of the pressure he may have been under. The apology has left many questioning the safety and independence of journalists operating in the state.
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Yambem Laba Silenced: Forced Apology to Militant Group UNLF-P
yambeblaba #ManipurViolence #PressFreedom #manipurjournalist #Manipur_Police #unlf #terroroutfits https://t.co/y5Kd4v7hEA— Navin Upadhyay (@Navinupadhya) February 11, 2025
Perhaps the most humiliating aspect of this entire episode is the forced televised apology that Laba was made to issue after his release. In his apology, Laba declared that he would no longer comment on the ongoing ethnic violence in the state. A journalist, who has spent years serving the public with information, is now compelled to remain silent on one of the most pressing issues in Manipur. How shameful it is for the law and order situation in the state when a journalist must publicly capitulate to the very forces that sought to silence him.
This disturbing incident follows a troubling trend of attacks on journalists in Manipur, a state where freedom of expression is already under siege. Over the years, reporters in the region have faced increasing threats, intimidation, and violence from both state and non-state actors. From being targeted for their critical reporting to having their lives put at risk for simply doing their jobs, Manipur’s journalists have become the silent victims of a larger political struggle that undermines press freedom.
Laba’s case is not an isolated one. In 2018, journalist Kishorechandra Wangkhem was arrested and charged under the National Security Act (NSA) for criticizing the government on social media. His case sparked outrage among press freedom advocates, but it also served as a chilling reminder of the risks faced by those who dare to speak out. Similarly, other journalists have been targeted by armed groups, harassed by political forces, and even attacked while covering protests and demonstrations.
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The kidnapping of Yambem Laba has once again highlighted the vulnerability of journalists in Manipur, and the failure of the police to act decisively sends a troubling message about the state’s commitment to upholding press freedom. As the state grapples with escalating violence and militant activities, the role of the media becomes even more critical in keeping the public informed. Yet, when journalists are silenced or coerced into submission, the truth itself becomes a casualty.
The situation in Manipur is dire, and it’s crucial that the police take immediate and decisive action to identify and arrest those responsible for Laba’s abduction. The lack of accountability in this case is a direct threat to the very fabric of democracy in the region. If this is how the authorities treat a senior journalist, what message does that send to others who might seek to speak out against corruption, violence, or injustice?
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As the world watches, it is imperative that Manipur’s authorities step up, not only to find justice for Laba but also to send a strong message that attacks on press freedom will not be tolerated. Otherwise, this alarming trend of intimidation and violence against journalists will continue unchecked, endangering the future of free speech and democracy in the state.
Manipur, a state plagued by ethnic strife and political turmoil, has seen an alarming rise in attacks and arrests of journalists in recent years. The press, often regarded as a pillar of democracy, has found itself increasingly under threat in this volatile region. Journalists who challenge political narratives or report on sensitive issues often face violence, intimidation, and even legal repercussions.
Here are some notable recent incidents of attacks and arrests of journalists in Manipur:
- Kishorechandra Wangkhem’s Arrest (2018) Incident: In 2018, journalist Kishorechandra Wangkhem was arrested by Manipur Police under the National Security Act (NSA) for posting a video on social media criticizing the Chief Minister of Manipur, N. Biren Singh, and the BJP-led government. His arrest sparked national outrage as it was seen as an attack on free speech. Wangkhem was accused of spreading anti-government propaganda and offending religious sentiments. Aftermath: Wangkhem’s arrest highlighted the increasing trend of using draconian laws like the NSA to silence critics. He was later released, but his case remains a stark reminder of the challenges faced by journalists in the state.
2. Attack on Journalists During Protests (2020) Incident: In 2020, during protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) in Manipur, several journalists were targeted by police and security forces while covering the demonstrations. These journalists, including photojournalists, were reportedly assaulted, with some having their equipment damaged while trying to report on the ground. Aftermath: The attacks on journalists during these protests led to widespread condemnation from press bodies and human rights organizations, who called for accountability and better protection for media personnel in conflict zones like Manipur.
3. Harassment and Intimidation of Journalists (2022) Incident: Journalists working in Manipur have reported harassment and intimidation by both government officials and militant groups. In 2022, multiple journalists working for local newspapers and media houses were subjected to threats and harassment for their reporting on the escalating violence in the state. Some journalists were even warned to stop covering protests, ethnic clashes, and the actions of the government. Aftermath: The constant fear of retaliation has forced many journalists to censor themselves, undermining the role of the media in holding power to account. Many journalists have been reluctant to report on government corruption, police brutality, or human rights violations due to fear of reprisal.
4. Gunpoint Attack on Journalists (2022) Incident: In a shocking incident, journalists from a local news outlet were attacked at gunpoint by armed assailants in 2022 while they were reporting on an ongoing protest in Imphal. The attackers, believed to be affiliated with local insurgent groups, threatened the journalists with firearms and confiscated their equipment. Aftermath: This incident further emphasized the growing danger for journalists in Manipur, particularly those covering protests, insurgent activities, and government policies. The attack prompted calls for increased security measures for journalists working in conflict zones.
5.Arrests of Journalists Under Arms Act (2023) Incident: In 2023, two journalists from a leading local newspaper were arrested under the Arms Act for allegedly possessing firearms without authorization. The arrests came after the journalists were accused of being involved in an attempt to cover up a violent incident related to militant activities in the state. Aftermath: The arrests were widely seen as politically motivated, with critics accusing the authorities of using legal charges to silence dissenting voices. Media bodies rallied in support of the journalists, denouncing the arrests as an attempt to intimidate and suppress free speech in the region.
6.ttack on Yambem Laba: (September , 2024) : Veteran journalist Yambem Laba’s home in Imphal was targeted in a bomb attack in September 2024. The explosive device was hurled at his residence, causing damage but thankfully no injuries. This attack, though not resulting in physical harm to Laba himself, served as a chilling precursor to the later abduction and underscored the increasing threats and intimidation faced by journalists in Manipur, particularly those covering sensitive issues like ethnic conflict and the activities of militant groups. It demonstrated a pattern of targeting journalists and their families in an attempt to silence critical voices and suppress freedom of the press within the state.7.
7.Abduction of Yambem Laba (2025) Incident: One of the most recent high-profile attacks on journalists in Manipur was the abduction of senior journalist Yambem Laba on February 2025. Laba was forcibly taken from his home in Imphal by nearly two dozen armed men, and after several days, he was released. However, during his release, he was compelled to issue a televised apology to the United National Liberation Front of Manipur (UNLF-P), a militant group in the region, for his critical views on the ethnic violence in the state.
Grim Picture
The ongoing attacks, arrests, and harassment of journalists in Manipur paint a grim picture for press freedom in the region. With authorities often turning a blind eye to these incidents, journalists in Manipur are forced to navigate a dangerous landscape where reporting the truth comes at a high cost. The case of Yambem Laba’s abduction and forced apology serves as a chilling reminder that journalists in Manipur are not only threatened by criminal and militant groups but also face systemic repression from the state itself. If these trends continue unchecked, Manipur’s reputation as a bastion of free expression will remain in jeopardy, and the voices of those who dare to challenge the status quo will continue to be silenced.
