Singer abducted by gunmen from Manipur home, released later

IMPHAL: Manipur-based folk rock band Imphal Talkies vocalist Akhu, aka Yoihenba Chingangbam, was kidnapped on Friday around 10.30am by unidentified persons but released later in the afternoon.

The reason behind the abduction is not yet clear. Sources said he was kidnapped from his residence at gunpoint by a group of armed men. Later in the afternoon, following his release, Akhu visited a private medical facility in Imphal for a check-up.

Amid the confusion, Akhu wrote a post on his Facebook account, "I am not abducted or kidnapped by anyone; I am in my home well (sic)."

Akhu Chingangbam is a singer, lyricist, and founder of the folk rock band Imphal Talkies. The band is known for singing protest songs about politics, insurgency, human rights issues, and racial attacks in Manipur and across the northeastern states.