JAMMU/SRINAGAR: The Union Government on Wednesday informed the Rajya Sabha that Jammu and Kashmir recorded 7,151 missing persons cases in 2023, with 4,190 individuals remaining untraced at the end of the year.
Replying to Question in the Rajya Sabha on February 4, 2026, Minister of State for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay Kumar said the data is compiled by the National Crime Records Bureau and published in its annual report Crime in India. The question was raised by Randeep Singh Surjewala.
According to the data placed before the House, Jammu and Kashmir had 3,960 persons untraced from previous years at the start of 2023. During the year, 3,304 new missing cases were reported, taking the total number of missing persons to 7,151. Of these, 2,961 persons were traced or recovered during the year, leaving 4,190 still untraced by the end of 2023.The figures show a steady increase in reported missing cases in the Union Territory over the past four years. In 2020, a total of 5,824 persons were reported missing in Jammu and Kashmir, rising to 6,486 in 2021 and 6,983 in 2022, before reaching 7,151 in 2023. The number of untraced persons has correspondingly increased from 3,813 at the end of 2020 to 4,190 at the end of 2023.
Children account for a significant portion of the missing persons data. In 2022, Jammu and Kashmir recorded 821 missing children (below 18 years), of whom 376 were traced during the year, leaving 445 untraced. In 2021, 723 children were reported missing, with 483 remaining untraced at year-end. The data indicates that girls constitute a higher proportion of missing children cases compared to boys.Nationally, the total number of missing persons rose from 6,70,145 in 2020 to 8,68,559 in 2023. Of these, 4,07,673 persons remained untraced at the end of 2023. The NCRB clarified that the latest published report pertains to 2023.
On human trafficking, the Minister said crime statistics, including cases related to trafficking, are compiled by NCRB based on inputs from States and Union Territories. However, ‘Police’ and ‘Public Order’ are State subjects under the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution, and primary responsibility for prevention, detection and prosecution rests with State governments and Union Territory administrations.
Regarding relief and rehabilitation, the government informed the House that the Ministry of Women and Child Development operates Child Helpline 1098, which functions round the clock to assist missing and vulnerable children. Railway child lines are also operational at major railway platforms.
Under the Mission Shakti scheme, the ‘Shakti Sadan’ component provides integrated relief and rehabilitation support to women victims of trafficking and those in distress. Trafficked children are supported through Child Care Institutions under Mission Vatsalya.
Compensation to victims of crime, including trafficking, is awarded under Section 357A of the Code of Criminal Procedure, now Section 396 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, through Victim Compensation Schemes prepared by States and Union Territories. Data compiled by the National Legal Services Authority shows that compensation awarded under these schemes rose from Rs 2,21,87,47,426 in 2021-22 to Rs 4,84,67,37,631 in 2024-25. In 2025-26, up to July 25, compensation amounting to Rs 1,54,02,87,605 has been awarded.
