25 days on, still no Anti-Communal Task Force: Peace-loving citizens of DK ask why
Mangaluru, May 28: Even after 25 days since the Karnataka government announced the formation of an ‘Anti-Communal Task Force’ to tackle rising communal crimes in Dakshina Kannada district, no visible progress has been made in implementing the decision. The delay has drawn criticism from various quarters, particularly in the wake of recent communal tensions and violence.
The announcement was made by State Home Minister Dr. G. Parameshwara during his visit to Mangaluru on May 3, following the murder of rowdy-sheeter Suhas Shetty. While addressing a press conference, the minister had reiterated a promise first made in June 2023 to set up an anti-communal wing. However, even after nearly two years, the wing remains only on paper.
In his May 3 statement, Dr. Parameshwara clarified that the proposed Anti-Communal Task Force would function similarly to the Anti-Naxal Force and would be led by officers of the IGP rank. He also mentioned that unlike the earlier anti-communal wing, which was confined to the Mangaluru Commissionerate, the new task force would cover the entire Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts.
While the announcement was welcomed by peace-loving citizens and civil society members hoping for a check on communal violence, the idea faced political resistance. Some leaders, including BJP MLAs and MPs from the district, openly opposed the formation of such a force. These same leaders had actively held press conferences demanding justice for Suhas Shetty and portrayed him as a local hero.
A few days ago, a program titled ‘Bajpe Chalo – Janagraha’ was organised by a group demanding that the Suhas Shetty murder case be handed over to the National Investigation Agency (NIA). The event was reportedly held without police permission and witnessed provocative speeches. Yet, the police allegedly did not intervene to stop it.
Merely two days after the rally, Abdul Rahman, the general secretary of the Kolathamajalu Juma Masjid, was hacked to death. His companion Qalandar Shafi alias Imtiaz, who was travelling with him in a pickup truck, sustained serious injuries in the attack and is currently under treatment at a hospital.
The timing of Abdul Rahman’s murder, soon after the Bajpe rally, has led to outrage among residents and activists, who accuse the authorities of inaction. While a case has been registered against the organisers and speakers of the Bajpe Janagraha program, locals allege that this is just a formality and that no firm action has been taken to prevent such incidents or arrest those behind hate speeches.
Critics have now questioned whether the proposed Anti-Communal Task Force will remain just another unfulfilled promise. Many believe that timely implementation of such a force could have possibly averted the latest communal murder and helped restore confidence among minority communities in the region.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Meghalaya MP death: Assembly session for Feb 20 likely to be adjourned, says CM
Shillong (PTI): The Meghalaya assembly session for February 20, during which the state budget is scheduled to be presented, could be adjourned as a mark of respect to Shillong MP Ricky A J Syngkon, who died on Thursday evening, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said.
Syngkon reportedly collapsed while playing futsal on the outskits of the city, and doctors at a private hospital declared him dead around 8:45 pm.
"We have discussed with Deputy Chief Minister and in-charge of Parliamentary Affairs, Prestone Tynsong, and we will have a meeting tomorrow with the Business Advisory Committee (BAC) headed by the Speaker," Sangma told PTI.
ALSO READ: US-India partnership has critical role to play to make AI benefits available to everyone: Pichai
"I have communicated to the Deputy CM that it would be appropriate for the government not to go ahead with the proceedings of the House tomorrow. Even though tomorrow is the day we are supposed to present the budget, it will make absolute sense and a mark of respect to the departed soul if we were to postpone even the presentation of the budget," he said.
Sangma expressed shock over the sudden demise of Syngkon, recalling their recent meeting in Delhi where they discussed development plans for Meghalaya.
"I had met Syngkon about two weeks back in Delhi... that was the last meeting and conversation I had with him," the CM said.
Sangma recalled Syngkon's commitment and passion for the people of Khasi and Jaintia Hills, describing his demise as a "great loss for the state".
"Syngkon served the people with humility, vision and a sincere desire to uplift society. I express my deepest condolences to the family of late Ricky Syngkon, and I pray to the Almighty that he gives strength to the family members as well as his supporters and party leaders to bear the huge loss," the chief minister added.
