New Delhi: The Supreme Court has said that giving arms to civilians to fight the Naxals is illegal.
Though this was an observation, not an order, it is the first time that the apex court has questioned the establishment and existence of an armed civilian outfit.
The court's statement strikes at the very basis of the Salwa Judum, a controversial people's militia, backed by the Chhattisgarh government.
The court also wants an independent assessment of the Salwa Judum, which was set up in 2005. The Salwa Judum has come under intense criticism for its terror tactics.