Congress panel submits report on coastal Karnataka communal tensions
Bengaluru, Jun 19 (PTI): A Congress-appointed fact-finding committee has recommended a holistic and multi-pronged approach, including socio-cultural interventions to address the vitiated communal atmosphere prevailing in coastal Karnataka.
The committee headed by Rajya Sabha MP Syed Naseer Hussain on Thursday submitted its report to Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar.
The committee, formed by the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC), comprises Manjunath Bhandary, V R Sudarshan, and senior leaders Kimmane Ratnakar, Jayaprakash Hegde, N A Harris, and Roji M John.
It examined the developments of the past two decades in Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, and Uttara Kannada districts.
Addressing reporters, Hussain said, “We have submitted a confidential report to Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, who also serves as KPCC president. He will take it up with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Home Minister G Parameshwara, and Law Minister H K Patil.”
He clarified that the panel’s mandate was not to probe specific incidents but to study the overall communal atmosphere in the region, which he described as “vitiated.”
“Admissions to educational institutions have dropped, and economic activities have declined. The Chamber of Commerce has flagged concerns. Business establishments close by 7 pm. Hate speeches and provocations have created an atmosphere of fear.”
Accordiong to Hussain, both the majority and minority communities were contributing to escalating tensions in the coastal belt through their provocative actions.
“A type of vitiated atmosphere is prevailing. So we went there to assess the situation holistically,” he said, adding that the committee has also made key recommendations.
“We’ve suggested administrative actions, socio-cultural interventions, ways to strengthen the party, and political strategies that can be implemented,” he explained.
Underscoring that mere law-and-order measures or transfer of officials will not suffice, the MP said, “The need of the hour is a comprehensive and multi-pronged approach."
Highlighting the region’s legacy, Hussain said the coastal districts were once hubs of literature, music, education, and banking.
“This progressive and vibrant social fabric is now fraying. We’ve suffered immense loss in terms of human and cultural capital,” he lamented.
The report, he said, is aimed at restoring peace and putting coastal Karnataka back on the path of development.
Deputy CM Shivakumar, who received the report in the presence of the media, said he needed time to study it before commenting.
“I have just received it. I will go through the findings and respond later,” he said.
He, however, blamed the BJP and “various sections’ of the society for disturbing the law and order situation in the coastal region.
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Experience comes when you play bigger teams in bilateral series: Rashid Khan
Chennai (PTI): Afghanistan skipper Rashid Khan called for more bilateral series against stronger cricketing nations after his team signed off from the T20 World Cup on a high, defeating Canada in their final group match here on Thursday.
Afghanistan played some exhilarating cricket, going down to South Africa in a gripping second Super Over after the scores were tied, a humdinger that provided one of the early thrills of the World Cup.
However, the spin-bowling stalwart said Afghanistan could make significant strides if they get regular opportunities to compete against stronger cricketing nations.
"Couple of areas to improve, with the batting, the middle order got a bit stuck against the big teams, and then with the bowling the death overs. That comes when you play the bigger teams in bilateral series," said Rashid after his team defeat Canada by 82 runs, with him returning excellent figures of 2 for 19.
The stalwart said the side had arrived well prepared for the tournament and produced some breathtaking cricket, but admitted the narrow defeat to South Africa proved costly and remained a painful setback.
"We were well-prepared (for the tournament), we played some unbelievable cricket. The game against South Africa, that really hurt everyone. We had to win one of those (first two) games and see how the tournament unfolded. We'll take some positive things from this World Cup and look forward," he said.
With head coach Jonathan Trott set to part ways with the team, Rashid described the departure as an "emotional" moment for the side.
"I think we had some wonderful times with him. Where we are now, he played a main role. It's emotional to see him leave us, but that's how life is. We wish him all the best and somewhere down the line we see him again."
Ibrahim Zadran, who was named Player of the Match for his unbeaten 95 off 56 balls, said it was satisfying to finally register a substantial score after two below-par outings.
"I enjoyed it, didn't play better cricket in first two innings, which I expect. Wanted to back my skills, really enjoyed it. Pressure was there, it's there all the time. I want to put myself in pressure situations and enjoy it," said Zadran.
"Wanted to play positive cricket, rotate strike and punish bad ball, create partnerships and this is what I have done."
