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DIMAPUR — Dimapur, the commercial centre of Nagaland, continues to report the highest crime cases in the state despite an overall downward trend in criminal activities across Nagaland over the past four years.
According to data provided by the Police Headquarters (PHQ), out of 5,693 criminal cases registered in Nagaland between 2021 and June 2024, Dimapur accounted for a staggering 2,657 cases, which is over 50 per cent of the state’s total crime.
The PHQ statistics encompass crimes falling under both the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and Special & Local Laws (SLL).
In 2021, Dimapur witnessed 592 crimes out of a total of 1033 registered across the state. The figures for subsequent years showed a similar pattern: 577 cases in Dimapur out of 1008 in 2022, 551 out of 1042 in 2023, and 214 out of 387 in 2024 (up to June).
Kiphire district, on the other hand, registered the lowest crime rates, recording eight and 15 cases in 2021 and 2022, respectively.
Comparative statistics from the PHQ revealed that 3,470 cases were registered under the IPC and 2,223 under SLLs during this four year period. (Refer tables for district-wise info)
The trend observed in overall crime data holds true for offenses under SLLs as well.
Dimapur registered the highest number of cases under this category: 157 out of 445 in 2021, 197 out of 584 in 2022, 272 out of a total of 857 in 2023, and 97 out of 337 in 2024 (until June).
Kiphire, once again, reported the lowest rates, with only six and seven cases in 2021 and 2022 respectively.
The data for the year 2023 and 2024 showed an addition of three new districts -- Noklak (established in 2021), Tseminyü (2021) and Shamator (2022) -- which have relatively lower crime rates. Cases taken up by the Crime Investigation Department (CID) stationed in Kohima were also included in the data from 2023 onwards.
It is worth noting that Chümoukedima and Niuland districts currently remain under the jurisdiction of the Dimapur Commissionerate of Police.
Kohima: Fewer crimes, but drug trafficking remains a concern
Speaking with Eastern Mirror, Superintendent of Police (SP) Kohima, Bharat Laxman Markad attributed the relatively lower crime rate in the state capital to the nature of offenses reported, which primarily involve traffic violations and narcotics cases.
While the number of narcotics cases is lower compared to Dimapur, Markad highlighted a worrying trend. He noted that the quantities of drugs seized in Kohima are significantly higher due to its geographical location bordering Manipur.
The official also explained the inclusion of the CID category in the PHQ statistics, informing that First Information Reports (FIRs) related to heinous crimes are transferred to the department for further investigation by specialised teams.
Several cases from across the state are also registered through the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems (CCTNS), he added.
The CID, based in Kohima, maintains a separate database for serious crimes referred from district-level police units. Data from the CID shows four cases registered in 2023 and none in 2024 (till June). Under SLL, the CID registered 33 cases in 2023 and 15 cases in 2024 (till June).
Importance of FIR
Furthermore, Markad underscored the crucial role citizens play in crime prevention and ensuring justice. He emphasised the importance of filing FIRs for any crime, stating that it is the most important legal component for enabling effective police action.
He went on to explain that while the police can register cases suo motu, FIRs filed by victims hold greater weight during legal proceedings.
He reiterated that public cooperation, particularly through the timely filing of FIRs, is vital for effective crime prevention and ensuring justice for all. Legal awareness is much needed among citizens and a collaborative approach involving both law enforcement and the community is crucial to effectively address and reduce crime across the state, he added.