Abducted Manipuri Singer Akhu Chigangbam Released Unharmed Near His Home

Manipuri singer and lyricist Akhu Chigangbam was released hours after he was abducted at gunpoint from his house in Imphal East. He was later released unharmed, approximately 20 kilometers from his home, according to police reports.

The distressing event unfolded amidst the ongoing ethnic tensions in the northeastern state between the Meitei community and the Kuki-Zo tribals.

Earlier in the day, armed assailants forcibly entered Chingangbam's home in Khurai, holding his mother and wife at gunpoint before abducting him. Police later received information about his safe release in Imphal West.

The motives behind Chigangbam's abduction remain undisclosed, with no ransom demands made, as confirmed by family members. Authorities have initiated an investigation, filing a case in connection with the incident.

The conflict between Manipur's Meitei and Kuki-Zo tribal communities ignited on May 3 during clashes arising from a pro-tribal rally in Churchandpur district. The tribals were protesting against the Meiteis' pursuit of Scheduled Tribe (ST) status, further fueled by a recent high court ruling on the matter.

The seven-month-long strife has resulted in over 200 fatalities, with approximately 60,000 individuals displaced and seeking refuge in relief camps and neighboring states. While the Meiteis predominantly inhabit the valley regions, the tribals largely reside in Manipur's hill districts.