Latest news with #Anti-NaxalForce
India Gazette
3 days ago
- Politics
- India Gazette
Karnataka government to deploy anti-communal force in coastal districts
Tumakuru (Karnataka) [India], June 2 (ANI): Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara has said the state government is setting up a new special force to prevent communal violence and ensure law and order in coastal districts like Mangaluru, Udupi, and Karwar. Speaking to the media in Tumakuru, Parameshwara said the government has taken the recent murder in Mangaluru very seriously and has already started taking steps to strengthen security. 'A new Anti-Communal Force has been announced, similar to the Anti-Naxal Force,' he said. 'Orders have been issued and preparations are ongoing. The team will be ready and deployed in 10 to 15 days,' he said. This new force will be sent to three coastal districts in the first phase. It will include officers like SPs, Deputy SPs, inspectors, and other staff, selected from different areas. Special training for this force will be provided in Karkala, following the model used for Anti-Naxal teams. Parameshwara stressed that the force is not aimed at any one community. 'Whether Hindu or Muslim, action will be taken only if someone breaks the law,' he said. 'No one will be spared if they do something wrong.' He added that the government is serious about improving law and order and will not allow any more such crimes. Referring to the recent daylight murder in Koppal, he said that the police have already caught the accused. 'These are rare incidents. We are dealing with them firmly. Overall, the law and order situation in Karnataka is good,' he said, citing a study by the University of Hyderabad which ranked Karnataka as one of the safer states. 'District Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao visited the area after the incident. I had also personally visited the site of an earlier murder,' the Home Minister said. According to Parameshwara, crime in the state has gone down compared to last year, and the government will continue taking strict action to maintain peace. (ANI)
Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Karnataka govt sets up ‘anti-communal task force' for three coastal districts
In the wake of recent murders in Mangaluru and other parts of the state, Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara on Monday assured that the government has taken the matter seriously and initiated decisive steps to address the escalating situation. Addressing reporters here in Tumakuru, Parameshwara emphasised the government's swift action Mangaluru witnessed the murder of Hindutva activist Suhas Shetty (42) on May 1, which was followed by the murder of Abdul Rahiman (32) 'The government has acted swiftly in response to the incident in Mangaluru. District In-charge Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao has visited the spot. I personally visited a murder site earlier,' the Minister said. He said orders have been issued for the formation of anti-communal task force as announced earlier and preparations are underway. 'Within ten days, we will operationalise a dedicated unit of anti-communal task force for three coastal districts,' the Minister said. The new force will comprise a full complement of SPs, DySPs, inspectors, and other officers drawn from various parts of the state, he explained. 'They will be provided with special training, including sessions at the Anti-Naxal Force training facility in Karkala. Vehicles, uniforms, and all operational authority will be arranged,' he added. Addressing concerns and speculation regarding targetting of specific communities, Parameshwara clarified that the force will not be communal in nature. 'There is speculation that Hindu leaders are being targeted. Let me be clear—no one will be spared if they break the law, whether they are Hindu or Muslim. Law is the same for everyone,' the Minister clarified. Referring to the recent murder in Koppal, he said it is being investigated with a special focus on law and order. 'There will be no such incidents in Mangaluru, Udupi, or Karwar going forward. Our officials are doing their duty. Karnataka continues to maintain good law and order,' Parameshwara said. Citing a recent study by a university, the Minister said, 'I am not saying this as the Home Minister, but according to the university's research, Karnataka is one of the safest states.' He concluded by stating that while isolated incidents may occur, the government remains committed to justice. 'Most of the murder cases are solved and culprits caught. Compared to last year, crime rates have declined this year,' Parameshwara claimed.
Hindustan Times
6 days ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Karnataka launches Anti-Communal Force in coastal, Malnad districts to curb hate crimes
In a significant move aimed at countering rising communal tensions, the Karnataka government has officially rolled out a new Special Action Force, dubbed the Anti-Communal Force, which will operate in three communally sensitive districts, Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, and Shivamogga. Also Read - HS Venkatesha Murthy, celebrated Kannada poet, dies at 81 in Bengaluru. More details Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara, addressing reporters on Thursday, said a government order had been issued to constitute the force with immediate effect. The unit will initially begin operations in the selected districts, with provisions in place for further expansion if required. 'We have thoroughly deliberated on the structure, leadership, and operational powers of the Anti-Communal Force. A formal government order has now been passed, and the Director General of Police will implement the necessary measures,' Parameshwara said. The Anti-Communal Force (ACF) is a newly formed Special Action Force specifically designed to monitor, prevent, and respond to communal incidents in areas identified as hotspots for hate-driven violence. The force will be equipped with both human intelligence and technical capabilities, including a dedicated intelligence wing, social media monitoring cells, and surveillance units. Its responsibilities include: According to the official order, the new force has been carved out of the existing Anti-Naxal Force (ANF). Of the 656 sanctioned posts in the ANF, 248 personnel, including a DIG-ranked officer, a DySP (Civil), and an Assistant Commandant, have been reassigned to this new unit. Also Read - Karnataka reports second COVID-19 death in a week as elderly patient dies in Belagavi Additionally, the unit will include four inspectors,16 Sub-Inspectors and a mix of other supporting ranks, forming three operational companies Each company will be headquartered in Udupi, Shivamogga, and Dakshina Kannada, ensuring on-ground presence in the districts flagged as most vulnerable to communal unrest. The announcement comes in the wake of heightened communal tensions, most recently triggered by the murder of Hindu activist Suhas Shetty in Mangaluru. Following the incident, the Home Minister had stated that a specialised force, modeled after the Anti-Naxal Force, would be formed to clamp down on communal disturbances, especially in the coastal belt. Parameshwara stressed that areas like Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, Shivamogga, and surrounding regions have been categorised as "sensitive zones" due to recurring communal incidents. 'We will act without hesitation or mercy against anyone involved in spreading communal hatred or committing communal crimes. Our aim is to completely suppress such activities,' the Home Minister asserted.
Hans India
29-05-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
K'taka to launch specialised unit to curb communal strife, revenge killings in state
Bengaluru: The Congress-led government in Karnataka has decided to launch the Communal Violence Control Force -- a specialised unit -- in a bid to curb and control communal strife resulting in a series of revenge killings in the state's Mangaluru, Udupi and Shivamogga districts. The government has also announced that the personnel serving in the Anti-Naxal Force (ANF) will be reassigned to the Communal Violence Control Force. The government order released on Thursday in this regard states, among the total available total 648 posts in the ANF, 248 officers and staff are shortlisted to establish the STF. The order states: "The new STF will have three companies and they will be established in Udupi, Shivamogga and Mangaluru districts. The functions and responsibilities of this force include establishing an intelligence unit with a technical cell to monitor and collect information from the media, social media, and intelligence sources regarding hate speech, provocative incidents, and communal-related activities. 'To create an alert system for potential communal violence through surveillance and human intelligence; to undertake confidence-building measures through effective outreach and influence; to implement measures to identify and monitor radicalisation." The IGP of the zone will take the necessary steps to deploy special task force officers/personnel during instances of communal riots, it says. The order further stated: 'The Director General and Inspector General of Police have submitted a proposal to the government stating that six underground Naxals have surrendered before the Naxal Surrender and Rehabilitation Scheme Committee, and since the state is now considered free of Naxal presence, the Anti-Naxal Force (ANF) will be disbanded. This was announced in the Budget Speech 2025-26. However, they have requested that the Anti-Naxal Force unit be extended for another three years, and have mentioned that after review, the unit may be dissolved.' Meanwhile, the order mentions that it has also considered the fact that the Intelligence Department has provided information that some existing Maoists are relocating from Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand to the border areas of Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu. In light of this, it has been proposed that from the current strength of officers/personnel in the Anti-Naxal Force (ANF), certain posts be separated to establish a dedicated 'Special Task Force' within the state, while the remaining officers/personnel will continue to serve in the ANF, the order stated. The government has decided to continue 376 posts with the ANF for a further three years. The Communal Violence Control Force will have several high-ranking officials. Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, Home Minister G. Parameshwara stated that the government has taken the recent incident of murder in Mangaluru seriously. 'We will take action without any hesitation. If such incidents keep recurring, we cannot remain silent. We will further tighten the law,' he said. The government will take action by considering Mangaluru, Udupi, and Shivamogga districts as sensitive areas, Parameshwara stated. Mangaluru and Udupi are located in coastal Karnataka region and witnessed a series of murders and stabbing incidents over communal strife. Following the previous incident (murder of Hindu activist and rowdy sheeter Suhas Shetty), the government had assessed the situation and issued an order to immediately implement the formation of a Communal Violence Control Force, he stated. The Director General and Inspector General of Police (DG and IGP) will take the necessary steps in this regard, Parameshwara stated. He reiterated that Mangaluru, Udupi, and Shivamogga districts will be treated as sensitive zones and that the government will act firmly to curb communal violence. Half of the personnel from the existing Anti-Naxal Force will be reassigned to the newly formed Communal Violence Control Force. They will be given the necessary powers and facilities. 'We will focus more attention on these three districts,' Parameshwara announced. 'If hatred spreads, what will remain of society? How can people live in such an environment? The government will not stay silent,' he questioned. In connection with the murder of a 34-year-old man in Mangaluru, Parameshwara said the investigation has uncovered serious information, and action will be taken accordingly. Parameshwara urged elected representatives to cooperate in maintaining peace. 'If they try to provoke people, how can peace be maintained? I have instructed officials to hold peace meetings with religious leaders,' he said.
Deccan Herald
25-05-2025
- Politics
- Deccan Herald
After ex-police chief's letter, Karnataka unlikely to disband anti-naxal force fully
Bengaluru: Days before his retirement, former Karnataka police chief Alok Mohan recommended that the Anti-Naxal Force (ANF) should be not disbanded completely. .In a letter to the government, Mohan cited a communication from Pronab Mohanty, the head of the Internal Security Division (ISD), raising serious concerns about the move. .DH has seen both letters. .Although the Home Department has not taken up the matter officially, it is likely to consider Mohan's recommendation of disbanding the ANF in a phased manner, according to a well-placed source. .Concerns about the ANF's disbandment have intensified after an IED blast killed three people in Veerabhadravaram, Telangana, about 500 km from the Karnataka border, on May 8. There are also fears that ongoing anti-Naxal operations in Chhattisgarh could push Maoist activity southward into Karnataka. .During this year's budget speech, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced the decision to disband the ANF, stating that the Naxal movement had ended in Karnataka. .In January, the last known group of six Maoists in the state surrendered in the presence of the CM. Another Maoist surrendered days later. .Cars plunge into stream, auto-rickshaw driver dies after tree falls on vehicle in his letter, Mohan mentioned seven concerns raised by Mohanty, arguing that while there are currently no active Maoists left in Karnataka, the threat of resurgence remains. .The concerns include: recrudescence of left-wing extremism, the revival of extremist ideologies, the potential reactivation of the Naxal movement, the loss of institutional knowledge, increased vulnerability at the tri-junction (Karnataka-Telangana-Andhra Pradesh border), disruptions to security operations due to intelligence gaps and the potential influx of Maoists and free invites to Naxals. .Mohan's letter stresses that although all active Maoists have surrendered, the ideology exists and could rekindle extreme thoughts, galvanising a new wave of left-wing extremism in the state. .Mohanty's letter noted that ANF staff are especially trained to withstand extreme conditions and taught life-saving skills, which would go to waste if the force is disbanded. .He also flagged increased vulnerability at the tri-junction and warned of an influx of Maoists from neighbouring states. .Further, since the ANF also gathers intelligence in the forest and interacts with tribal communities, dissolving it could create intelligence gaps, the letter says. .Finally, the letter points out that Karnataka's extensive forest cover could give a free pass to Naxals in the ANF's absence.
