Reforms panel questions logic for Salwa Judum

The Centre and the state government may describe it as a spontaneous civilian movement that has been successful...

The Centre and the state government may describe it as a spontaneous civilian movement that has been successful in preventing the spread of Naxalites in Chhattisgarh, but the Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC) feels that the Salwa Judum could have been counter-productive.

Pointing out that the situation in Chhattisgarh continued to cause serious concern, the ARC has sounded a note of caution, saying “the situation has not been helped by the raising of local resistance groups called Salwa Judum, started initially in two tribal development blocks of south Bastar and now extended to 11 blocks in Chhattisgarh”.

Expressing scepticism, the report further says: “Thousands of tribals are being protected in fortified camps, pointing to the disturbed life they are forced to lead.” The report refers to Naxal attacks on such camps. The tribals were caught between “the legitimate power of the state and the illegitimate coercive power of the extremists”, who delivered instant justice through their own courts.

The concept of the Salwa Judum has been a contentious issue, with some political parties accusing the Government of exposing members to Naxal attacks. The ARC suggested a judicious mix of welfare initiatives and well-planned counter-insurgency operations to restore peace in Chhattisgarh.

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