Karnataka Govt Launches Special Task Force to Curb Communalism in 3 Districts

 

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.

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.

Why This Matters: The formation of the task force reflects Karnataka’s commitment to fostering peace and security in regions with a history of communal tensions. By repurposing resources from the ANF, the government is addressing both communal and Naxal-related challenges efficiently.

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.