Manipur Records Highest Violent Crime Rates in Northeast India: NCRB 2023 Data Reveals Impact of Ethnic Conflict

Manipur recorded the highest incidence of violent crimes and rioting cases among Northeastern states in 2023, according to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) report.

Imphal:

The NCRB report reveals that Manipur topped the Northeast region in violent crime statistics for 2023, with figures dramatically increasing amid the ethnic conflict between Meiteis from the Imphal Valley and tribal Kukis from the adjoining hills that began in May 2023.

Manipur reported a staggering 14,427 violent crimes in 2023, showing a significant increase from 631 cases in 2022 and 545 in 2021. Assam placed second in the Northeast with 11,552 such incidents recorded during the same period.

The state also led the nation in crimes and atrocities against Scheduled Tribes, with 3,339 cases reported in 2023 compared to just 1 case in 2022 and none in 2021.

Concerning rioting and arson, Manipur again topped the Northeast region with 5,421 rioting cases and 6,203 arson incidents. Additionally, the state recorded 330 robbery cases and 1,213 dacoity cases in 2023.

The NCRB data further indicates that Manipur documented 151 murders and 818 attempts to commit murder during 2023. There were also 89 kidnapping cases and 27 rape cases reported in the state that year.

Crimes against women in Manipur showed a declining trend with 201 cases reported in 2023, down from 248 in 2022 and 302 in 2021.

The ethnic violence between Kukis and Meiteis in Manipur since May 2023 has resulted in more than 260 fatalities and thousands being displaced from their homes.