The Supreme Court-appointed National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) investigation into Salwa Judum (anti-Maoist civilian vigilante programme) in Chhattisgarh has justified the movement as a "spontaneous revolt of the tribals against years of atrocities and harassment suffered by them at the hands of Naxalites (left-wing extremists)". The NHRC report, submitted to the apex court also dismisses most of the allegations of human rights abuses made by the petitioners in the apex court, including widely reported use of minors by Salwa Judum. The report blames the Naxalites for human rights abuses and sees action by Salwa Judum activists from the prism of necessary retaliation1 .

Meanwhile, the Chhattisgarh government on October 11 suspended 13 policemen, including six inspectors and seven sub-inspectors, for refusing to accept transfers to the left-wing insurgency affected Bastar region. R K Vij, inspector-general (administration), said, "We had no option left but to crack the whip on 13 policemen who defied the government transfer order and refused to join duty in Bastar region, despite repeated reminders." The officers were transferred in July-August to the interior areas of Bastar2.

• 1. “Existence of Salwa Judum necessary, rules National Human Rights Commission”, South Asia Terrorism Portal, October 7, 2008, at http://satp.org/satporgtp/detailed_news.asp?date1=10/7/2008#16
• 2. “Chhattisgarh government suspends 13 police officials for refusing to accept transfers to Maoist affected areas”, South Asia Terrorism Portal, October 12, 2008, at http://satp.org/satporgtp/detailed_news.asp?date1=10/12/2008#12