The Supreme Court of India in September 19 asked the Chhattisgarh Government to implement some of the recommendations of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), dealing with the activities of the Salwa Judum set up by the state to tackle left-wing extremism. The NHRC had been asked by the Supreme Court to probe allegations that the Salwa Judum was committing atrocities on innocent people. A Bench comprising Chief Justice K.G. Balakrishnan and Justices P. Sathasivam and J.M. Panchal told senior counsel K.K. Venugopal, appearing for Chhattisgarh, that the commission had “done a meticulous work. It has given a series of recommendations. It is very painful to read the report. It says there is arson and looting, people are armed and they [Salwa Judum] are committing serious offences …” Chief Justice Balakrishnan observed that the state may consider implementing “remedial measures” suggested in the report. Mr. Venugopal assured the Court that the government would implement the recommendations which were of “immediate concern1.”

• 1. ‘Implement NHRC recommendations on Salwa Judum, Supreme Court asks Chhattisgarh government,” South Asia Terrorism Portal, September 20, 2008, at http://www.satp.org/satporgtp/detailed_news3.asp?date3=2008%2F9%2F20&ima...