Alarming 3,399% Increase: Manipur Leads India's Surge in Crimes Against Tribal Communities

Ethnic violence erupted in Manipur between Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities in 2023

New Delhi:

India experienced a dramatic 28.7 per cent increase in crimes against members of the Scheduled Tribes (ST) community during 2023, with Manipur emerging as the epicenter of this concerning trend, according to recent National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data.

Nationwide cases registered as crimes against Scheduled Tribes jumped to 12,960 in 2023, compared to 10,055 cases documented in 2022.

Manipur recorded an alarming 3,399 cases in 2023 - a massive increase from just a single case reported in 2022. The northeastern state alone contributed 26.2 per cent of all such cases across India. This extraordinary surge stems from the ethnic conflict between Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities following a controversial Manipur High Court ruling. The resulting tensions escalated into widespread violence, causing mass displacement, property destruction, and significant human rights violations.

Nine states collectively account for more than 91% of all crimes against Scheduled Tribes nationwide. Notably, despite ranking among the top three affected states, both Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan have actually reported decreases in such incidents compared to 2022 figures.

The Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, implemented in January 1990, was designed to prevent offenses and discrimination against these communities. The legislation mandates Special Courts for expedited trials while providing relief and rehabilitation for victims. However, the increasing case numbers highlight a significant gap between legislative intent and practical implementation.

While 12,960 cases were officially registered in 2023, the total victim count reached 13,740, indicating multiple victims in numerous incidents - a troubling pattern suggesting targeted group violence.

The NCRB report additionally noted a slight 0.4 per cent rise in crimes against Scheduled Castes during 2023, with 57,789 registered cases - up from 57,582 in 2022.

Uttar Pradesh led with the highest number of crimes against Dalits, recording 15,130 cases, followed by Rajasthan (8,449), Madhya Pradesh (8,232), Bihar (7,064), and Maharashtra (3,024).