Pramesh S Jain
In an effort to tackle communal issues in coastal Karnataka effectively,the state government has issued an order forming a special action force,Home Minister, G.Parameshwara said.
This force will have three companies,which will operate in Dakshina Kannada,Shivamogga and Udupi districts.
According to the GO issued,as many as 248 personnel, including the Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIGP),will be a part of this force.
The 248 have been taken from the Anti-Naxal Force (ANF) from the existing 656 officers and personnel from the ANF.
The Special Action Force will a primary role to gather intelligence on probable communcal and provocative incidents and hate speeches and and prevent them.
Reacting to the order,Home Minister,G Parameshwara said that to ensure peace and communal harmony,he has also directed the officers to hold peace meetings with community leaders.
“The order has been issued to immediately set up and enforce the special action force.Necessary steps will be taken by the Director General and Inspector General of Police (DG&IGP)Dr.MA Saleem.The three districts are considered very sensitive.
Anyone who incites communal violence won’t be spared,”Parameshwara told reporters in Bengaluru on Thursday.
“It [Dakishan Kannada] is a district with intelligent,good, and educated people.In terms of growth,too,there are a lot of opportunities there.We are committed to put an end to communal incidents there,” .
People and representatives should all join hands to bring peace and harmony,he said .
