Will Karnataka's New Force Successfully Address Communal Violence?

Bengaluru, May 29 (NationPress) The Congress-led administration in Karnataka has announced the formation of the Communal Violence Control Force—a specialized unit aimed at addressing and controlling communal unrest that has led to a series of revenge killings in the regions of Mangaluru, Udupi, and Shivamogga.

As part of this initiative, personnel currently in the Anti-Naxal Force (ANF) will be reassigned to the new force.

The government order issued on Thursday specifies that out of the 648 available positions in the ANF, 248 officers and staff members have been selected to form this Special Task Force.

According to the order, "The new STF will consist of three companies, which will be based in Udupi, Shivamogga, and Mangaluru. This force's responsibilities will include establishing an intelligence unit with a technical cell to monitor and gather information from media, social media, and intelligence sources concerning hate speech, provocative incidents, and communal activities.

“Additionally, the force will create an alert system for potential communal unrest through surveillance and human intelligence; implement measures for confidence-building through effective outreach; and take steps to identify and monitor radicalization.”

The Inspector General of Police for the zone will ensure the special task force officers are deployed during instances of communal violence, as stated in the order.

Moreover, the document notes that the Director General and Inspector General of Police have informed the government about the surrender of six underground Naxals to the Naxal Surrender and Rehabilitation Scheme Committee, indicating that the state is becoming free of Naxal activity, thus leading to the disbanding of the ANF. This was mentioned in the Budget Speech for 2025-26. However, they have requested an extension of the ANF unit for three additional years, with a review that may lead to its dissolution.

At the same time, the order acknowledges that the Intelligence Department has reported some existing Maoists relocating from Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand to the border areas of Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu.

In response, it has been proposed to allocate certain positions from the current strength within the ANF to create the dedicated Special Task Force, while the remaining officers will continue in their roles with the ANF, as stated in the order.

The government has resolved to maintain 376 positions within the ANF for an additional three years. The Communal Violence Control Force will comprise several high-ranking officials.

During a press briefing in Bengaluru, Home Minister G. Parameshwara emphasized that the government is treating the recent murder incident in Mangaluru with utmost seriousness.

“We will act decisively without hesitation. If such incidents continue, we cannot afford to remain silent. We will further tighten the law,” he stated.

The administration will regard Mangaluru, Udupi, and Shivamogga districts as sensitive areas, as noted by Parameshwara. Both Mangaluru and Udupi are located in the coastal region of Karnataka and have experienced multiple murders and stabbing incidents fueled by communal tensions.

Following the recent murder of Hindu activist and rowdy sheeter Suhas Shetty, the government evaluated the situation and promptly issued an order to establish the Communal Violence Control Force, according to Parameshwara.

The Director General and Inspector General of Police will take the required actions regarding this matter, he added.

He reiterated that Mangaluru, Udupi, and Shivamogga districts will be designated as sensitive zones, and the government will take firm action to mitigate communal violence.

Half of the personnel from the existing ANF will be reassigned to the newly established Communal Violence Control Force, which will be equipped with necessary powers and resources. “We will focus more attention on these three districts,” Parameshwara declared.

“If hatred proliferates, what will remain of our society? How can individuals coexist in such an environment? The government will not remain silent,” he questioned.

Addressing the murder of a 34-year-old man in Mangaluru, Parameshwara remarked that the investigation has revealed significant information, and appropriate actions will be undertaken.

Parameshwara called upon elected representatives to assist in preserving peace. “If they provoke the populace, how can we uphold peace? I have instructed officials to conduct peace meetings with community leaders,” he concluded.