Conflict-hit Manipur logged over 6,200 arson circumstances in 2023, 45% of Indias complete

Manipur reported over 6,200 circumstances of arson in 2023 — a dramatic surge from fewer than 30 circumstances yearly in every of the earlier 5 years. The State alone accounted for 45% of all arson circumstances filed in India in 2023, up from simply 1% the 12 months earlier than.

The above findings are drawn from the Crime in India 2023 statistics launched by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB). Arson circumstances fall underneath Sections 435 to 438 of the IPC, which take care of mischief by fireplace or explosive substance, both with intent to destroy a home or to trigger injury price ₹100 or extra.

Manipur witnessed an ethnic battle between the Imphal Valley-based Meitei group and the hill-based Kuki tribe, which erupted in May 2023 and has continued to spark violence via 2025. The clashes have left lots of lifeless and displaced practically 70,000 individuals.

Reports doc widespread destruction, with lots of of church buildings, homes, temples, and autos throughout the State set ablaze or vandalised. The sharp rise in arson circumstances in 2023 aligns with the timeline of this violence.

In reality, the sudden spurt in arson circumstances in Manipur practically doubled the whole variety of arson circumstances in India, rising to 13,626 in 2023 in contrast with the earlier 12 months. This is the best determine in no less than six years. Between 2018 and 2022, India recorded an annual common of about 8,200 arson circumstances.

In 2023, Manipur reported practically six occasions as many arson circumstances as Maharashtra, the State with the second-highest numbers. Maharashtra recorded probably the most arson circumstances amongst all States within the earlier 12 months.

With inputs from Vignesh Radhakrishnan