SC issues notices to Centre, Chhattisgarh govt

New Delhi, Oct 12 (UNI) The Supreme Court today issued notices to the Center and the Chhattisgarh Government on a petition seeking directions to the State Government to protect the residential areas of Dantewada district in the state from the movement 'Salwajudum' involving activists indulging in blatant voilation of human rights in the State.

Earlier, counsel for the petitioners, who are natives of the same district, contended before a bench comprising Chief Justice K G Balakrishnan and Justice R V Raveendran that under the garb of curbing Naxal activities, poor tribals were being victimised by the organised groups of 'Salwajudum' under active protection and patronage of the State administration.

According to the petitioner, more than 500 people have been killed since 2005 and rapes and murders were being committed without any fear of law.

The petitioners are subjected to voilent reprisals if they dare to complain against the culprits who are indulging in systematic violation of human rights under the very nose of the State Government.

The apex court directed the issuance of showcause notices to the Centre and Chhattisgarh Government after hearing the counsel for the petitioners.

UNI