'Anti-Communal Force' to start operations in three districts in Karnataka
Bengaluru, May 29 (PTI): Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara on Thursday said that the "Anti-Communal Force" that was announced earlier to deal with communal incidents will start operating in Dakshina Kannada, Udupi and Shivamogga districts.
He said a government order has been issued regarding the creation of an Anti-Communal Force with immediate effect.
"After considering and studying -- how to structure it, who will head it, what powers should be given -- and working out all those things took time. We have finally issued a government order for the Anti-Communal Force to come into effect immediately. The DGP will take the necessary measures," Parameshwara said.
Speaking to reporters, he said, "We had planned to disband the Anti-Naxal Force, half of that has been converted into the Anti-Communal Force. All the necessary powers and amenities required will be provided to them. They will begin in three districts--Shivamogga, Udupi and Dakshina Kannada-- with more focus."
Noting that the region consisting of Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, Shivamogga and other places with communal activities will be considered as "sensitive", Parameshwara said "merciless action" will be taken against those involved in such activities.
"We will not rest unless we suppress such communal activities and murders," he added.
According to the order, the government has approved and ordered the establishment of a new "Special Action Force" (Anti-Communal Force) in the state.
It said out of the total 656 posts of various grades currently existing in the Anti-Naxal Force in the state, 248 posts -- officers/staff -- have been separated and a separate Special Action Force has been established. They include a Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIGP), a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP-Civil), and an Assistant Commandant.
Also, four officials of Police Inspectors rank, 16 officials of Police Sub-Inspector rank, among others.
The order said the newly established Special Action Force will consist of three companies, which will be stationed in Udupi, Shivamogga and Dakshina Kannada districts.
The duties and responsibilities of the Special Action Force include: To have an intelligence unit comprising a technical cell to collect and monitor media and social media and intelligence for hate speech, inflammatory incidents and communal incidents; to create a warning system through human intelligence and surveillance for potential communal violence; to undertake confidence building measures.
Also, to undertake measures to identify and monitor radicalisation; and to take steps to deploy Special Task Force Officers/Personnel by the Zonal IGPs in cases of communal violence.
The home minister earlier this month, following the murder of Hindu activist Suhas Shetty in Mangaluru, had announced that the Anti-Communal Force, on the lines of the Anti-Naxal Force (ANF), will be established to address and mitigate communal disturbances in coastal districts of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts.
He had, however, subsequently indicated that it may be extended to other districts in the state.
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Oppn, X users flag concerns over US envoy Sergio Gor’s visit to Army’s western command
New Delhi: A visit by the US Ambassador to India, Sergio Gor, to Chandigarh on Monday has triggered sharp criticism from opposition leaders and social media users, raising questions about national security and foreign policy.
On X, Ambassador Gor announced his visit, writing, “Just landed in Chandigarh. Looking forward to visiting the Western Command of the Indian Army.”
Just landed in Chandigarh. Looking forward to visiting the Western Command of the Indian Army
— Ambassador Sergio Gor (@USAmbIndia) February 16, 2026
Soon after, opposition voices questioned the broader implications of the visit. Congress Kerala, in a post, commented, “Why so much panic? We’ve already seen Pakistan's ISI getting access to Pathankot Airbase with this government's blessings. Didn't they say then ‘Modi ne kiya ho to kuch soch samajh kar kiya hoga?’ Compared to that, this is very small.”
Why so much panic? We’ve already seen Pakistan's ISI getting access to Pathankot Airbase with this government's blessings.
— Congress Kerala (@INCKerala) February 16, 2026
Didn't they say then "Modi ne kiya ho to kuch soch samajh kar kiya hoga?"
Compared to that, this is very small. pic.twitter.com/gNNuAGQBPC
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Priyanka Chaturvedi also weighed in, writing, “Since India’s national strategic interests are now tied to what US wants India to do, this visit seems to sync with that.”
She further added, “India’s history will remember the de-escalation announcement between India and Pak was announced on social media by the US President before Indians got to know from their own government. US Ambassador is doing the job for his nation, who is doing for us? The answer is blowing in the wind.”
Since India’s national strategic interests are now tied to what US wants India to do, this visit seems to sync with that. India’s history will remember the de-escalation announcement between India and Pak was announced on social media by the US President before Indians got to… pic.twitter.com/rYMq5NhJHA
— Priyanka Chaturvedi🇮🇳 (@priyankac19) February 16, 2026
The visit comes against the backdrop of the growing US-India defence partnership.
Writer and political analyst @rajuparulekar commented on ‘X’, “East India Company is back!”
“Is it allowed for an ambassador to visit any army unit in india?” asked another user.
Several X users expressed concerns over the appropriateness of the visit.
One asked, “Is it allowed for an ambassador to visit any army unit in India?” Another wrote, “Why an ambassador visiting our army places? To talk to Chandigarh lobby for F-35?”
Why an ambassador visiting our army places ? To talk to chandigarh lobby for f-35 ??
— Rohan Sagar (@RohanSagar03) February 16, 2026
“We have completely sold Indian sovereignty. Rothschild the evil Bankers will now control NSE. Modi sold Bharat Mata to Trump . And now American imperialist is visiting our army command . Scary,” wrote another user.
“The Indian Army isn’t part of geopolitics, so why is he interested in visiting there?,” opined another.
The Indian Army isn’t part of geopolitics, so why is he interested in visiting there?
— Aditya Pratap Singh (@Adi_IIMCIAN) February 16, 2026
On Sunday, Gor welcomed Admiral Samuel Paparo, Commander of the United States Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM), highlighting efforts to expand the growing US-India defence partnership.
In a post on X, Gor wrote, “Delighted to have @INDOPACOM Commander Admiral Samuel Paparo in India to expand the U.S.-India defense partnership. Now is the time to strengthen vital cooperation between our two nations.”
On Monday, Admiral Samuel J. Paparo Jr visited the headquarters of India’s Western Army Command along with the American envoy Sergio Gor. The delegation was briefed on the formation’s capabilities, its past operations, and future plans.
The American delegation also visited Bengaluru, where they met three start-ups, two in the space sector and one in defence, and participated in an Indo-US conference.
