States » SouthPosted at: Jun 13 2025 2:47PM


Karnataka launches Special Action Force in Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Jun 13 (UNI) In a significant move to maintain communal harmony in coastal Karnataka, the state government on Friday launched a dedicated Special Action Force (SAF) in Mangaluru, a first-of-its-kind unit in the country aimed at curbing hate speech and preventing targeted violence.
Speaking at the inauguration of the SAF headquarters here, state Home Minister G Parameshwara described the initiative as a "bold and necessary step" to restore public confidence in Dakshina Kannada, a district long troubled by communal flashpoints.
“This is not a force meant to intimidate,” Parameshwara clarified, “but if provoked, it will act decisively to preserve peace and order.”
The SAF has been constituted within a week of a cabinet decision, with personnel reassigned from anti-Naxal operations. Its mandate includes rapid response to communal flareups, preemptive action against incitement, and dismantling of networks that propagate religious hatred.
District in-charge Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao, who was also present at the launch, underlined the urgency of the measure, stating, “Communal polarisation is eating into the social fabric of this region. This force is a response to a sustained threat to public harmony.”
Dr Parameshwara recalled his visit to the region following a high-profile killing six months ago. “At that time, there was fear, and dialogue was impossible. But the people of this district are educated and peace-loving. Hate has no place here,” he said.
The initiative has garnered broad public support, and discussions are reportedly underway to expand SAF operations to other sensitive districts in the state.
Director General of Police Alok Mohan Saleem, Additional DGP K Murugan, Mangaluru Police Commissioner Sudhir Kumar Reddy, MLCs Manjunath Bhandari and Ivan D’Souza, and senior officials from the Karnataka Cashew Development Corporation were also in attendance.
Plans are being finalised to host a multi-faith peace conclave in the coming weeks to reinforce the government's message of unity and tolerance.
“The less the SAF has to intervene, the better it is for all of us,” Dr Parameshwara concluded. UNI BDN SSP
Tags: #Karnataka launches Special Action Force in Mangaluru
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