The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has reportedly issued instructions to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, as well as six state governments, in response to a filed petition. The order directs these organizations to provide comprehensive details regarding victims affected by the activities of Salwa Judum. This group, essentially tribal individuals mobilized for resistant actions against outlawed armed Naxalite groups, has allegedly caused many to be displaced from their homes in multiple states’ forest areas. These displacements have led to numerous complaints of deprivation of essential welfare schemes such as land rights, tribal status, social welfare benefits, and entitlements under the Forest Rights Act.
NHRC Intervention
The NHRC has taken significant steps towards ensuring the protection and safeguarding of human rights. The instruction given to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs as well as the six state governments is an example of the NHRC’s commitment to ensure justice for those who have been wronged.
The petition, which sparked the NHRC’s latest intervention, raises serious concerns about the living conditions and lack of basic rights of individuals displaced by Salwa Judum’s activities. It emphasizes that these individuals, residing in forest areas across several states, have been deprived of vital welfare schemes, including land rights, tribal status, social benefits, and Forest Rights Act entitlements.
About Salwa Judum
Salwa Judum is a group mainly formed of tribal people mobilized for opposing the outlawed Naxalite armed groups. The group reportedly received substantial backing from the government machinery in Chhattisgarh, providing them with authority and leeway in their operations.
However, this group has been criticized for its methods and actions that led to the displacement of individuals and families from their homes located in several states’ forest zones. Such displacements have resulted in widespread deprivation of several fundamental rights for those affected.
Supreme Court Involvement
In 2011, the Supreme Court of India ruled against the arming of civilians by such organizations, which in practice resulted in a ban on Salwa Judum. The court ordered the Chhattisgarh government to disband any militia force that was established with the objective of combating Maoist guerrillas.
Such a move by the Supreme Court underscores the importance of upholding human rights and ensuring the security and well-being of all citizens, irrespective of their location or existing conditions. It also sets a clear precedent for similar cases in the future.
What’s Next?
The intervention by the NHRC and the order from the Supreme Court are crucial steps towards addressing the grievances of those affected by Salwa Judum’s activities. However, the effective execution of these orders now lies in the hands of the Union Ministry of Home Affairs and the respective state governments. These organizations are expected to provide detailed information about the victims and to take necessary actions to restore the deprived rights of these individuals.
This ongoing issue serves as a vivid example of the challenges faced by tribal communities and necessitates further attention and action from government bodies, human rights organizations, and society at large, to ensure fair treatment, justice, and dignity for all.