Ethnic Violence and the Failure of Criminal Justice: Analysing State Inaction in the 2023 Manipur Violence

This paper examines the 2023 ethnic violence in Manipur as a case study to analyse the failure of criminal justice in conflict situations. Triggered by disputes over identity, land, and political representation between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities, the violence resulted in killings, sexual atrocities, displacement, and large-scale destruction. The study argues that the crisis reflects not merely administrative lapses but a structural collapse of criminal justice, marked by delayed state response, compromised investigations, and lack of accountability. It further highlights how such institutional failures have led to continuing human rights violations, particularly affecting vulnerable populations. By analysing both the events of 2023 and the continuing instability, the paper concludes that restoring justice requires systemic reforms, accountability mechanisms, and a shift towards a victim-centric human rights framework.