Contrary to the general perception of Nagaland being a strife-torn State, mainly due to its history of insurgency, the latest figures revealed by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) points out that Nagaland is most peaceful State in India.
The State recorded 1,157 incidents of cognisable crimes during 2014 and its rate of cognisable crime per lakh of population stands at 49.5. The national rate of cognisable crime per lakh of population is 220.5, as per NCRB data.
The north-eastern State is also safest for women, the NCRB data reveals. Nagaland has recorded only 67 incidences of crime against women, which includes 30 cases of rape. With an estimated female population of over 11 lakhs (in 2014), the rate of crime per lakh of population comes to six. In fact, it is the only State in country to have rate of crime against women in single digit (six).
Interestingly, Nagaland’s percentage contribution to all India crime is negligible and is recorded as zero in the NCRB data.
“Ours is a very peaceful society. There are negligible cases of crime within society and if we come across anyone with criminal instincts, the person is usually ostracised from the society,” Neingulo Krome, secretary general Naga People Movement for Human Rights, told The Hindu .
When asked whether the figures have anything to do with its history of insurgency or huge military presence, Mr Krome said that the figures are not a direct reflection of the problem but admitted that over past few years “reconciliation” is on and situation has become more stable.
However, it is not only Nagaland but crime is significantly less in the entire North-East compared to the rest of the country. Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram and Arunanchal Pradesh — all contribute only 0.1 per cent of the total crime in the country.
Tripura, which has a significant contribution, compared to other North-Eastern states, contributes to 0.2 per cent crime recorded in the country in 2014. (Agencies)