What Measures is Karnataka Home Minister Taking to Restore Peace in Mangaluru?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Peace Meeting: Convened to address communal unrest.
- Community Involvement: Leaders from diverse backgrounds participated.
- Law Enforcement Enhancements: Plans for additional police resources.
- Government Commitment: Focus on community engagement and feedback.
- SAF's Role: Key in managing communal tensions.
Mangaluru (Karnataka), July 9 (NationPress) — Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara convened a peace meeting in Mangaluru on Wednesday, gathering leaders from diverse religious communities to tackle escalating communal strife, which includes incidents of revenge killings and stabbings within the coastal area.
The meeting took place at the Mangaluru Zilla Panchayat auditorium and was joined by District In-charge Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao. It was attended by political figures, community leaders, and representatives from various organizations, all focused on the goal of reinstating communal harmony.
In a media interaction, Parameshwara highlighted the necessity of fostering peace in the region. He stated, “Achieving peace in the coastal belt is vital, as it holds significant potential for development and growth. This is why we are prioritizing this area,” he remarked.
“Aside from a few, the majority of individuals in this region are good. However, if everyone were good, there wouldn’t be a need for a police force. It is the police's duty to guide those who have veered off course back to the right path,” he further added.
Parameshwara indicated that the government has established laws and guidelines to aid this initiative. “We will engage with individuals from all sectors, consider their suggestions, and progress accordingly,” he stated.
Among the significant administrative measures being considered are the establishment of an additional police station in Mangaluru and the potential relocation of the Mangaluru SP office to Puttur.
Currently, Mangaluru operates with 112 police vehicles. Parameshwara noted this number would be increased, ensuring all police stations are equipped with vehicles. Older vehicles, those over 15 years in service, will be retired and replaced.
The Home Minister announced that 402 vacant Police Sub-Inspector (PSI) positions will be filled shortly, along with 10,000-15,000 constable vacancies throughout the state.
Regarding the law and order situation in Karnataka, he asserted, “I am not making unfounded claims. The crime rate has decreased, as verified in a recent review meeting led by the Chief Minister. This improvement results from rigorous law enforcement measures.”
He also acknowledged that the formation of the Special Action Force (SAF) in the coastal region is instrumental in mitigating communal tensions and reinstating peace.