Manipur journalist abducted after criticizing insurgent group, released later
What's the story
Senior journalist Laba Yambem was abducted from his Imphal West home in Manipur in the wee hours of Tuesday.
His family said around 30 armed men barged into their house at around 3:30am and whisked Yambem at gunpoint, while he was still in his nightclothes and barefoot.
The abduction happened hours after he criticized the United National Liberation Front (UNLF) insurgent group during a panel discussion.
Ceasefire criticism
Journalist's criticism of insurgent group sparks controversy
Yambem's comments were aimed at the Pambei faction of the UNLF, which had signed a Peace Agreement with the Centre and the Government of Manipur in November 2023.
He called this ceasefire an act of "surrendering" or "raising their hands."
After being held for nearly seven hours by the militants, he was released, by 11:00am on Tuesday.
Public apology
Abducted journalist apologizes for ceasefire remarks
Yambem subsequently apologized for his remarks, calling it erroneous on his part.
"Terming the recent ceasefire... between the Government of India and the UNLF, as an act of 'surrendering' or 'raising their hands' is a mistake on my part and I apologize for it to the UNLF and the people of Manipur," Yambem said after his release.
Past incidents
Yambem's history of political criticism
Yambem, a special representative for The Statesman newspaper and former member of the Manipur Human Rights Commission, is known for his vocal criticism of political figures.
He had previously criticized Chief Minister N Biren Singh and formed the Good Governance Party last year.
In September, assailants fired shots at Yambem's residence, which he described as a "political attack," attributing it to his critical stance against the state government.