Imphal: Feb 11: In a shocking incident today morning, senior journalist Yambem Laba, a special correspondent for The Statesman, was reportedly abducted from his residence in Uripok Yambem Leikai, Imphal, by unidentified armed men. The incident took place at around 3:30 am, when armed individuals broke into Laba’s home and forcibly took him at gunpoint. His family members were present during the abduction, and their immediate reaction was to inform the authorities.
This is not the first time Laba has faced intimidation. His residence had been attacked twice in the past four months, with militants firing rounds at his home. Laba has been an outspoken advocate for human rights and issues affecting Manipur, which may have made him a target for these groups. In October 2023, he was also arrested on charges of criminal intimidation, further highlighting the risks journalists face in the region.
Laba is a seasoned journalist who has contributed significantly to the media landscape in Manipur. He was also a former member of the Manipur Human Rights Commission and has raised his voice on various regional issues. Recently, the National Human Rights Commission of India took up a case filed by Laba concerning phone tapping, further illustrating his ongoing work advocating for justice and transparency. The abduction has raised serious concerns about the safety of journalists in the region and the growing risks to press freedom in Manipur.
