Ministry of Home Affairs data shows a sharp 86 per cent decline in Nagaland's insurgency-related violence from 2004 to 2025.
DIMAPUR — Insurgency-related violence in Nagaland has declined by nearly 86 per cent over the past two decades, with annual incidents dropping from 186 in 2004 to 26 in 2025, according to official data from the Ministry of Home Affairs.
The data showed a substantial reduction in incidents, extremist casualties, civilian deaths, and kidnappings in the state.
According to the data, Nagaland recorded a total of 2,375 insurgency-related incidents between 2004 and 2025. The highest number of incidents during this period was recorded in 2008, with 321 cases, after which the state witnessed a steady downward trend.
It noted that a total of 681 extremists were killed between 2004 and 2025. The highest number of extremist casualties was recorded in 2008, when 140 militants were neutralised by security forces. In contrast, no extremist was killed in 2025, indicating a decline in armed encounters.
The data also shows that 4,357 extremists were arrested during the period under review. Arrests peaked at 316 in 2008, while 161 extremists were arrested in 2025, reflecting continued security operations despite the overall decline in insurgency-related violence.
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Civilian casualties have also fallen significantly over the years. A total of 273 civilians lost their lives in insurgency-related incidents between 2004 and 2025. Civilian deaths reached their highest level in 2008, with 70 fatalities, but declined to zero in 2025.
Security force casualties remained comparatively low throughout the period. A total of 22 security personnel were killed between 2004 and 2025. The highest number of security force fatalities was recorded in 2015, when nine personnel lost their lives. No security personnel were killed in 2025.
The number of extremist surrenders has increased notably in recent years. While 267 extremists surrendered between 2004 and 2025, the annual figure rose from 31 in 2024 to 80 in 2025, the highest recorded during the period.
A similar trend was observed in the surrender of arms. A total of 118 weapons were surrendered between 2004 and 2025. The number of arms surrendered increased from 22 in 2024 to 68 in 2025.
Although arms recoveries have declined from their peak of 232 weapons recovered in 2013, security agencies continued to seize illegal arms. Between 2004 and 2025, a total of 2064 weapons were recovered, including 59 arms in 2025.
Kidnapping incidents also registered a substantial decline. A total of 1,328 persons were kidnapped during the 22-year period. The highest number of kidnappings was recorded in 2006, with 114 persons abducted, while the figure dropped to 21 in 2025, the lowest during the period under review.