Manipur journalist abducted after critical remarks on insurgent group, released later

In a panel discussion Monday night, Yamben reportedly made statements critical of UNLF’s Pambei faction, which had signed a Peace Agreement with the Centre and the Government of Manipur in November 2023.

Hours after the abduction, Yambem was released by around 11 am, police sources said.

After his release, Yamben told the media, “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. The recent path taken by the UNLF is to take the arms struggle into a political struggle.”

Yamben, who works with The Statesman newspaper as a special representative, has previously been a member of the Manipur Human Rights Commission. A vocal critic of Chief Minister N Biren Singh, he formed the Good Governance Party last year.

Singh, who resigned on Sunday, continues as the caretaker CM of Manipur.

In September last year, assailants opened fire on Yambem’s residence, which he said was a “political attack” for his critical stance against the present state government.

In October, Yamben was arrested after a woman alleged one of his associates had threatened her using a weapon.