Karnataka Government Orders Immediate Deployment of Anti-Communal Force in Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, and Shivamogga

“Establishing the structure of the force, determining its leadership, and defining its powers required careful consideration and time. We are pleased to announce that the government order for the Anti-Communal Force is now in effect. The Director General of Police (DGP) will oversee the necessary measures for its implementation,” Parameshwara stated.

In his remarks to reporters, he elaborated, “Initially, we had planned to disband the Anti-Naxal Force; however, we have repurposed half of its personnel to form the Anti-Communal Force. All essential powers and resources will be allocated to this new unit. They will focus their efforts in the three districts of Shivamogga, Udupi, and Dakshina Kannada.” He emphasized that the region, which has experienced communal tensions, will be classified as “sensitive,” and he vowed that “merciless action” would be taken against individuals involved in such activities.

“We will not rest until we have effectively suppressed communal violence and related crimes,” he added.

The government order outlines the establishment of a new “Special Action Force” (Anti-Communal Force) within the state. It specifies that out of the 656 positions currently held within the Anti-Naxal Force, 248 roles—comprising both officers and staff—have been reallocated to form this new unit. This includes key positions such as a Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIGP), a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP-Civil), and an Assistant Commandant.

Additionally, the newly formed Special Action Force will include four officials at the rank of Police Inspector and 16 officials at the rank of Police Sub-Inspector, among others.

According to the order, this Special Action Force will be organized into three companies, which will be strategically stationed in the Udupi, Shivamogga, and Dakshina Kannada districts.

The primary duties and responsibilities of the Special Action Force will encompass the following: establishing an intelligence unit that includes a technical cell dedicated to collecting and monitoring media, social media, and intelligence related to hate speech, inflammatory incidents, and communal tensions; creating a warning system through human intelligence and surveillance to preempt potential communal violence; and implementing confidence-building measures within the community.

Furthermore, the force will focus on identifying and monitoring radicalization trends and will take proactive steps to deploy Special Task Force officers and personnel, as directed by the Zonal Inspector General of Police, in response to incidents of communal violence.

Earlier this month, in the wake of the murder of Hindu activist Suhas Shetty in Mangaluru, the Home Minister announced the establishment of the Anti-Communal Force, modeled after the Anti-Naxal Force (ANF). This initiative aims to address and mitigate communal disturbances specifically in the coastal districts of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi. However, he also indicated that the scope of this force may be expanded to include other districts across the state in the future.