Salwa Judum

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Salwa Judum (translates as "peace mission") is a controversial state sponsored terrorism started in India against poor tribals terming it as anti-Naxalite civil militia formed in 2005, to bring the area dominated by Naxalites back under government control.The Salwa Judum is, according to various human rights organizations such as the People's Union for Civil Liberties, a government-backed organisation ^[1]^[2]^[3], supported by the Chhattisgarh government.

Objections have been raised against arming civilians, citing lack of accountability of this civil militia and alleged atrocities committed by it. The Supreme court of India has issued notice to the Chattisgarh government on the issue.^[4] Also, some alleged that in the name of Salwa Judum, the tribal people are being forced to join. Hundreds have been killed on both sides. A large area of land remains uncultivated; tribal people who are meant to work on the land have deserted the villages and are living under open skies and are starving. A vast amount of corruption has crept in as a result of this misconceived campaign with the ruling party spending huge amounts on it.”^[2]

However, the facts highlights a different story. As on 4 March 2006 , a total of 45,958 Adivasi villagers from 644 villages in 6 blocks of Dantewada district have come under Salwa Judum programme, showing the popularity of the movement. The contribution of Salwa Judum in reducing the influence and menace of naxalism, is highly commendable and appreciated by government and civil societies. The intelligence agencies strongly support the movement as front line of defence against naxalites.

Encouraged by the highly positive results of the movement in the region, the government is planning to launch a people's movement in insurgency hit state of Manipur, on similar lines.