Salwa Judum, meaning “Peace march” in Gondi language was a militia movement that emerged in Dantewada and Bastar of Chhattisgarh in 2005
It was designed to counter Maoist insurgents (Naxalites), who were active in the region
It was formed with support from state and central governments, mobilizing local tribes to resist the Naxalite insurgency
The group was criticised because it recruited tribal youth and armed them to act as vigilantes against the Naxalites and violate the rights of indigenous communities
Human rights groups like Amnesty International opposed their methods, expressing concerns over displacement and violence against tribal communities
They faced legal challenges and the Supreme Court declared Salwa Judum unconstitutional in 2011 and directed the government to disband the militia