Jun 02, 2025 07:04 AM IST

Karnataka Congress kinds a committee to analyze communal tensions in coastal districts, whereas contemplating a strict anti-hate speech legislation amid rising violence.

Karnataka’s ruling Congress has shaped a seven-member committee to analyze the current surge in communal tensions throughout the coastal districts of Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, and Uttara Kannada. The panel, introduced by deputy chief minister and state Congress president DK Shivakumar, has been tasked with submitting a report inside every week.

DK Shivakumar

“The committee will be led by Rajya Sabha MP Syed Naseer Hussain and includes KPCC working president Manjunath Bhandary, MLA NA Haris, Congress office-bearers Roji John and VR Sudarshan, and former ministers Kimmane Rathnakar and Jayaprakash Hegde,” learn an official communication.

The formation of the panel comes amid reportedly rising considerations over communal violence in coastal Karnataka, the place a collection of current incidents — together with the homicide of a 32-year-old man in Bantwal taluk — have sparked alarm. These districts have witnessed heightened spiritual tensions, prompting each political and administrative responses.

The state authorities can also be contemplating the introduction of a stringent anti-hate speech legislation. Chief minister Siddaramaiah, talking throughout a overview assembly on May 31, stated the federal government is “seriously considering” devoted laws to counter hate speech and misinformation. “Indiscriminate action must be taken irrespective of how influential the accused person is,” he stated, directing district officers to take agency steps towards violators.

Dakshina Kannada in-charge minister Dinesh Gundu Rao additionally backed the transfer, citing the convenience with which offenders at present safe bail. “There is a need to strengthen the law. Right now, people engaging in hate speech or spreading hate through social media come out on bail very easily,” he stated.

Last week, the federal government constituted a Special Action Force (SAF) targeted particularly on Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, and Shivamogga — all now categorized as delicate zones. The SAF, comprising 248 personnel below a deputy inspector basic (DIG)-rank officer, contains members drawn from the downsized Anti-Naxal Force (ANF).

A authorities order states the SAF will likely be deployed throughout the three districts and can perform a number of capabilities, from intelligence gathering on communal exercise to monitoring social media for hate speech and radicalisation. The unit can also be tasked with group outreach and constructing belief in areas liable to unrest.

Home minister G Parameshwara stated the SAF would grow to be operational instantly. “The government has considered Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, and Shivamogga as sensitive districts and is taking all measures to prevent communal violence and ensure peace and harmony in the region,” he stated.