Karnataka to set up anti-communal task force, says State Home Minister Parameshwara

ANI May 14, 2025 269 views

Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara has announced the formation of an Anti-Communal Task Force within the police department to curb rising communal tensions. The force will specifically operate in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts, targeting those promoting divisive agendas. It will also investigate past communal riots and take strict action against offenders, including political leaders. Meanwhile, Congress leader Priyank Kharge has accused the BJP of fueling communal unrest in the state.

"We want to make an Anti-Communal Force to see that the society is peaceful." – G Parameshwara
Bengaluru, May 14: Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara on Wednesday said that the state government has decided to establish an anti-communal task force within the police department to tackle criminal and communal violence in the state.

Key Points

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Karnataka to establish anti-communal police unit

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Task force to probe past riots

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Focus on Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts

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BJP accused of fostering communal tensions

Parameshwara stressed the need for such a unit to curb rising polarisation and maintain societal peace.

Minister Parameshwara said that he has directed the state's Director General of Police to submit a proposal for the initiative.

Speaking to mediapersons, Parameshwara said, "We have taken a decision to constitute an Anti-Communal Force, within the police department. When the naxal activity was there, we created an Anti-Naxal Force. Similarly, we want to make an Anti-Communal Force to see that the society is peaceful. The polarisation is already taking place here and there. We want to see that all those things will be put at rest. I had told our Director General of Police to send out a proposal regarding that."

Earlier, Karnataka Home Minister Parameshwara said that the task force will take strict action against those who support or promote communalism.

"This task force will operate separately in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts. The Anti-Communal Task Force will take strict action against those who support or promote communalism," he added.

Minister Parameshwara added that the task force will also investigate past communal riots.

"The soon-to-be-formed Anti-Communal Task Force will investigate past communal riots. Going forward, the police will take strict action against those who make provocative statements. No matter how influential a person is, the police will take action. Even if they are political leaders, action will be taken against them," he added.

Earlier, Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge had slammed the BJP over its criticism of the state government's proposed Anti-Communal Task Force and accused the party of fostering communal tensions in the state.

"Whatever the BJP wants to do, let them be held accountable for it. How did places like Mangaluru's Karavali and the coastal belt become a laboratory for Hindutva?" Kharge asked.

Reader Comments

R
Rajesh K.
Good initiative by Karnataka govt! Communal violence has no place in our society. Hope this task force remains impartial and doesn't become a political tool. Law should be equal for everyone, no matter which party they belong to. 🙏
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Priya M.
As someone from Mangaluru, I welcome this move. Our coastal region has seen too much tension in recent years. But the government must ensure this force doesn't target any particular community. Implementation should be fair and transparent.
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Vikram S.
Why create separate force? Existing police should handle this. Looks like another way to spend taxpayer money. First improve basic policing - many stations don't even have proper vehicles or staff!
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Ananya R.
Hope they focus on social media too! Most communal tensions start from fake news and hate speech online. Need tech-savvy officers who can track digital footprints. Also important to educate youth about harmony. #UnitedIndia
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Sanjay T.
The timing seems political with elections coming. But if it actually prevents violence, why not? Just hope it doesn't become like West Bengal's 'Rapid Action Force' which many say is biased. Karnataka should learn from others' mistakes.
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Neha P.
Good step but implementation is key. We've seen many such announcements before with little results. Also important to address root causes - unemployment, poor education lead youth to fall for divisive politics. Prevention > cure!

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Tags:
Karnataka Anti-Communal Task Force G Parameshwara Communal violence BJP Dakshina Kannada Udupi