The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has revealed a significant increase in insurgency-related violence in India’s northeastern states during 2023-24, primarily driven by the ethnic conflict in Manipur.

Data from the Ministry shows that insurgency-related incidents rose to 243 in 2023, compared to 201 in 2022 and 209 in 2021. Civilian fatalities also spiked, with 38 deaths reported in 2023, up from seven in 2022 and 23 in 2021. Additionally, eight security personnel lost their lives in 2023.

The violence persisted into 2024, with 77 incidents recorded in the first three months, resulting in nine civilian deaths and the abduction of 53 individuals.

The MHA report highlighted the outcomes of counter-insurgency efforts in 2023, including the neutralization of 40 insurgents, the arrest of 407 individuals, and the recovery of 147 arms. Additionally, 1,595 insurgents surrendered and returned to mainstream society, along with 459 weapons.

While states such as Meghalaya, Mizoram, Sikkim, and Tripura remained largely peaceful, Manipur accounted for the majority of incidents, with 187 cases reported. Nagaland followed with 35 incidents, Arunachal Pradesh with 19, and Assam with eight.

The report also noted security improvements across the region, leading to the gradual withdrawal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 (AFSPA). In 2023, AFSPA was lifted entirely from many areas, except for specific districts and police station areas in Assam, Manipur, Nagaland, and Arunachal Pradesh.

The ethnic conflict in Manipur, coupled with persistent insurgency-related challenges, remains a critical issue for the northeastern region’s stability.