NCRB report shows steady decline in overall crime rate in Jammu and Kashmir from 2021 to 2023

• Overall crime rate in J&K shows steady decline from 2021 to 2023, NCRB report reveals

Jammu, Sept 30: Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed a notable decline in overall crime incidents over the past three years, according to the latest National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) 2023 report released by the Union Home Ministry. The data reveals a consistent downward trend in total registered crimes — from 31,675 cases in 2021 to 30,197 in 2022 and 29,595 in 2023, marking a reduction of 2,080 cases during this period.

The 71st edition of the NCRB’s annual report, which provides a comprehensive analysis of crime trends across the country, highlights this steady decrease in both Indian Penal Code (IPC) and Special and Local Laws (SLL) cases in the Union Territory. While crimes under IPC showed a significant fall of 2,320 cases — from 27,447 in 2021 to 25,127 in 2023, cases registered under SLL saw a marginal increase from 4,228 in 2021 to 4,468 in 2023, with an impressive 90.7% charge sheeting rate for SLL-related offences.

The report notes that the rate of cognizable crimes in Jammu and Kashmir stood at 184.3 per lakh population in 2023, while the charge sheet rate for IPC cases increased to 79.1%, indicating stronger investigation and prosecution outcomes. Importantly, no cases of sedition were recorded in the Union Territory in 2023, and there were no instances of communal, religious, or sectarian violence reported during the year, a development being seen as a positive sign of social stability.

In terms of serious crimes, Jammu and Kashmir reported 84 murder cases involving 101 victims, with a crime rate of 0.6 per lakh. The Union Territory also registered 1,004 cases of kidnapping involving 1,010 individuals, 231 cases of rape, 1,352 incidents of assault against women, and 70 cases of sexual harassment. While gender-based violence remains a concern, authorities point to an increasing focus on legal recourse, awareness, and preventive measures.

The NCRB report also sheds light on other categories of crime: 673 cases involving 797 persons were registered for deaths caused by negligence, including 639 cases linked to road accidents and hit-and-run incidents. Additionally, 9 dowry cases, 44 instances of abetment to suicide, 438 attempts to murder, and 434 cases of attempted suicide were reported during 2023. The data underscores the continued challenge of addressing road safety, domestic issues, and mental health concerns as part of the broader law and order strategy.

The registration of 425 rioting cases involving 655 individuals suggests that while law enforcement has largely succeeded in maintaining communal harmony, sporadic incidents of public disorder still occur. Yet, the absence of sectarian clashes or sedition cases reflects improved policing, intelligence coordination, and community engagement efforts across the Union Territory.

Experts believe the declining crime trend in Jammu and Kashmir is the result of enhanced policing strategies, increased use of technology in surveillance and investigation, better coordination among law enforcement agencies, and proactive community policing measures. The government’s focus on improving public safety infrastructure, strengthening judicial processes, and expanding social outreach programs has also contributed to these outcomes.

The NCRB findings are seen as encouraging for a region that has faced unique security and governance challenges over the decades. They point not only to improved law enforcement capacity but also to a deeper shift in societal behaviour and state response. While challenges such as crimes against women, road safety, and attempts at self-harm remain, the overall decline in crime signals a more secure and stable socio-political environment in Jammu and Kashmir.