
Karnataka Govt Launches Special Task Force to Curb Communalism in 3 Districts
Wednesday, June 11, 2025
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Mangalore Police Commissioner Sudhir Kumar Reddy |
Mangalore, June 11, 2025 – The Karnataka government has taken a significant step to maintain peace in the communally sensitive districts of Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, and Shimoga by establishing a dedicated task force to curb communalism according to the Prajavani report.
Here’s everything you need to know about this initiative:
- Purpose of the Task Force:
The special task force aims to prevent and control communal violence, focusing on curbing hate speech and potential riots in the three districts. It will play a crucial role in maintaining law and order in areas prone to communal tensions.
- Leadership and Headquarters:
Mangalore Police Commissioner Sudhir Kumar Reddy will lead the task force, with its headquarters based in Mangalore. The unit will oversee operations across Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, and Shimoga. - Structure and Strength:
The task force will consist of three companies with a total of 80 personnel, ensuring rapid response capabilities to address communal incidents effectively. - Inauguration Details:
Home Minister G Parameshwara will officially launch the task force on June 13, 2025, marking a proactive step toward regional stability, according to department sources. - Focus on Hate Speech and Violence:
The task force will actively monitor and investigate cases related to hate speech and communal violence, aiming to neutralize threats before they escalate. - Repurposing the Anti-Naxal Force (ANF):
- In 2005, the state established the Anti-Naxal Force (ANF) with 667 sanctioned posts to tackle Naxal activity in Western Karnataka.
- Following the surrender of six Naxalites under the 2025–26 Naxal surrender and rehabilitation scheme, the government initially planned to dissolve the ANF.
- However, due to reports of Naxalites from Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand moving toward Karnataka’s borders, the government decided to retain the ANF.
- After deploying staff to the new communal violence task force, 376 posts will remain dedicated to the ANF, including 1 Inspector, 4 PSIs, 16 Head Constables, 60 Constables, 150 followers, and 15 additional staff.
Keywords: Mangalore task force, Karnataka communal violence, Dakshina Kannada task force, Sudhir Kumar Reddy, anti-communal task force, Udupi Shimoga peace initiative, Karnataka Home Minister, ANF Karnataka, hate speech crackdown.