K'taka govt. establishes special task force in DK, Udupi, Shivamogga to combat anti-social elements
Mangaluru: The Karnataka government on Thursday issued orders to establish the STF-Special Task Force (STF) in Dakshina Kannada, Udupi and Shivamogga districts in order to curtail anti-social, communal forces.
“Communal conflicts are taking place frequently in the coastal districts, which is affecting law and order. Such incidents are becoming a black spot for the administration, and in order to control this, the government is forming the STF,” said Home Minister Dr. G. Parameshwara in Mangaluru.
Member of the Legislative Council, Ivan D'souza speaking on the formation of STF, said, “To curb forces that are harmful to society, the government has decided to establish a special task force in the coastal and Malnad districts. It will also act against those making provocative statements and speeches. We will request the government to set up the STF headquarters in Mangaluru, covering the districts of Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, and Shivamogga.”
According to official sources, the proposal to form the STF was put forth by the respective district Superintendents of Police and Police Commissioners, and subsequently approved.
Intelligence inputs also suggest the movement of Naxal elements from Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand into the border areas of Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu, prompting a restructuring within the existing Anti-Naxal Force (ANF).
According to reports, of the 667 sanctioned positions in the ANF, 248 have now been reassigned to the STF, while the remaining 376 will continue in ANF roles for the next three years. The STF will comprise 1 DIGP, 1 DySP (Civil), 1 Assistant Commandant, 4 PI/RPI, 16 PSI/RSI/SI, 60 CHC, 150 CPC/APC, and 15 support staff.
The force will operate through three companies stationed in Udupi, Shivamogga, and Dakshina Kannada.
The functioning of the STF is as follows:
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To have an intelligence unit comprising a technical cell to collect and monitor media and social media, intelligence information for hate speech, inflammatory incidents and communal incidents.
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Create a warning system through surveillance and human intelligence for potential communal violence.
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The STF will engage in confidence-building measures and establish a visible presence in sensitive areas to deter unrest.
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Efforts will also be made to identify and monitor individuals showing signs of radicalization.
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The Zonal IGP will take action to deploy special task force officers and personnel in the event of communal riots.
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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.
