Formation of Special Task Force will not tarnish the dignity of any district: Dr. G. Parameshwar

Karnataka Home Minister Dr. G. Parameshwar has clarified that the formation of a special task force in the coastal belt is not intended to portray any district, including Dakshina Kannada, as communally disturbed.

Speaking to the media at the Udupi Guest House, the minister stated that the task force was established based on recent incidents in Dakshina Kannada and the coastal region, with the specific purpose of preventing communal unrest. “There are no plans to expand this force beyond the region,” he asserted.

Drawing a comparison, he said, “A Naxal suppression force was set up earlier in Udupi, yet that did not tarnish Udupi’s image. Similarly, the special task force should not be seen as a mark against any district’s dignity.” He informed that the operations will be overseen by the Mangaluru Commissioner and the Inspector General (IG) covering three districts. A dedicated Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) is in place for the task force, he added.

The Home Minister further explained the rationale behind the new social and educational census. “Many communities were underrepresented in the census conducted a decade ago, and there have been demands to include approximately 1.5 crore people who were left out,” he said.

He added that the decision to conduct a fresh survey was taken based on inputs from both the party high command and various community leaders. While the central government is conducting a caste census, the state intends to go beyond and study the socio-educational conditions of its population, he noted.

As part of his visit, Dr. Parameshwar offered special prayers at the Kollur Sri Mookambika Temple. He later inspected the Kote police station and participated in a meeting with Congress leaders and workers at the district party office. He also visited the new Marigudi temple in Kaup and received darshan of the deity.