Salwa Judum
Salwa Judum was a controversial anti-Maoist vigilante movement in Chhattisgarh, India, that began in 2005.
Meaning & Origin Salwa Judum means “peace march” or “purification hunt” in the local Gondi language. It started as a people’s movement against Maoist insurgents (Naxalites) in the Bastar region of Chhattisgarh. Officially launched in June 2005 with support from the Chhattisgarh state government and security forces.
Objectives
To counter Maoist influence in tribal areas. To mobilize tribal villagers against the Maoists and drive them out of affected regions. To create vigilante groups that would assist security forces in anti-Maoist operations.
How It Worked Local tribal youth were recruited as Special Police Officers (SPOs). Villagers were often forced into camps, leaving their homes to isolate Maoists from community support. Many operations involved burning villages, forcibly relocating people, and violent reprisals against those suspected of Maoist links.
Criticism & Human Rights Concerns Widely criticized for:
Human rights violations (killings, rapes, arson, forced displacement). Recruiting children as SPOs. Destroying livelihoods of tribals by uprooting them from their traditional lands. Seen as a state-sponsored vigilante movement rather than a genuine people’s uprising. Organizations like the NHRC, UN bodies, and civil society groups condemned Salwa Judum.
Supreme Court Intervention In 2011, the Supreme Court of India declared Salwa Judum illegal and unconstitutional. Ordered the disbanding of SPOs and prohibited arming of civilians in anti-Maoist activities.
Legacy Left behind displacement, violence, and mistrust in tribal regions. Considered a failed counter-insurgency strategy, which deepened alienation of tribal communities. Still debated as an example of state vs insurgency conflict and its effect on tribal rights in India.