The NCRB (National Crime Records Bureau) data for 2023 revealed a sharp rise in most crimes in Manipur during the ethnic conflict, but surprisingly showed a decline in reported crimes against women.
The Manipur Conflict (2023)
- Ethnic clashes between the Meitei community (Imphal Valley) and Kuki-Zo tribes (hill districts) began in May 2023.
- The violence led to hundreds of deaths and the displacement of nearly 70,000 people.
- Reports of sexual violence, torture, and murder of women emerged during the conflict.
- The Supreme Court, in July 2023, described the sexual violence as being of a “systemic and unprecedented magnitude.”
Sharp Rise in Overall Crimes
- Rioting: from 84 → 5,421 cases
- Murders: from 47 → 151 cases
- Attempt to murder: from 153 → 818
- Robbery and burglary: from 46 → 513 combined
- Dacoity: from 1 → 1,213 cases
- Theft: from 1,286 → 2,394
- Promoting enmity between groups: from 15 → 473
Reported Drop in Crimes Against Women
- Rape cases: from 42 (2022) → 27 (2023)
- Assault with intent to outrage modesty: from 67 → 66
- Sexual harassment: from 5 → 1
- Rape of minors (POCSO): from 44 → 43
- Despite visible violence and media reports, official data show a 30% fall in crimes against women.
Evidence of Underreporting
- Multiple reports and testimonies highlighted widespread sexual assaults and harassment during the peak of violence.
- Ten Kuki-Zo legislators in July 2023 cited several rape and murder incidents involving women from their community.
- Civil society groups and the National Commission for Women (NCW) also received complaints of assault, harassment, and killings of women in Imphal and other districts.
- Instances included violence at Manipur University, Nightingale Nursing Institute, and local workplaces.
Why the Discrepancy
- Breakdown of policing and administration during conflict limited crime registration.
- Social stigma and fear of retribution discouraged women from filing complaints.
- Many survivors were displaced, cutting them off from police and legal systems.
- Reflects a larger trend of underreporting of crimes against women in India, intensified in conflict zones.
Conclusion
The decline in NCRB-recorded crimes against women in Manipur contradicts ground reports, indicating severe underreporting and institutional collapse during the 2023 conflict.
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