What went wrong with the previous form of Salwa Judum —which started in June 2005 as a spontaneous movement against Maoists and later became controversial?

As such, there is nothing wrong with Salwa Judum. We, being from Bastar, are well aware about the Naxal network, their over ground wings functioning in the guise of NGOs and other so-called pro-people and human rights outfits — who enjoy considerable influence in the media. While they unleashed a systematic campaign to defame Salwa Judum and made it controversial, both the state Government and the anti-Naxalite campaign activists could not match their propaganda skills. I have no qualms in admitting that the propaganda by the Maoists and their supporters was a complete success. Yet, Salwa Judum has been successful in challenging the authority of the Maoists and to a great extent uprooting their support base. The rebels retaliated with violence and killings, putting the civil administration under tremendous pressure. It was what the rebels wanted and they succeeded in creating an atmosphere of fear.

You mean to say that it’s the end of the road for the original form of Salwa Judum?

I don’t think so. It’s passing though a phase of stagnation as this peoples’ movement did not get the proper backing from the Government in terms of development initiatives in Bastar. Any such campaign has to be promptly backed with development which has to be periodically reviewed so as to win the confidence of the masses. Besides, Salwa Judum did not get unanimous support of all political parties.

... contd.