'Govt doesn't mind opposition to Tipu Jayanti'

Home Minister G Parameshwara said that the State government didn’t not mind opposition to the celebrations of Tipu Jayanti.

Speaking to media persons, after holding review meeting of the police coming under Western range here on Sunday, he said all were free to express their opinions. However, if the opposition turns violent, measures will be taken to control the mob and legal action will be taken against the offenders, he added.

Defending the decision of the government, the home minister said that Tipu was known for his patriotism and also for his communal tolerance. His donations for the sustenance of Sringeri Mutt exemplifies his love for Hindus and his respect for Hindu Gods. Parameshwara ascertained that there was no need to look into the issue from different angles to spread unnecessary rumours.

Stating that the home department is all set to curb the increasing moral policing acts in the State, Parameshwara said that moral policing was totally immoral.

He said that communal forces were creating chaos and disturbing peace in the society. The department is cautious enough to curb the moral policing incidents especially in the coastal belt.

The minister said that the second phase of recruitment for police personnel was under way. The former home minister had already taken steps to recruit 8,000 police constables, who are undergoing training and will be inducted into the force shortly. Another 8,000 police constables will be recruited at the  earliest to overcome the shortage of manpower in the department. There is 25 per cent shortage of manpower in the department, he added.

Retorting to a query over the charges against the Minister Anjaneya, Parameshwara, who is also the KPCC president, said that the chief minister would initiate appropriate action. He said he would send his report and also his opinion.

“The coastal police encounter many challenges like moral policing, coastal security, and communal harmony. The social media will be huge bane in the days to come and department is all set to monitor the misuse of the social media like Twitter and Facebook. The cyber crime will be dealt stringently, the minster added.

Earlier, addressing the party workers at Kaup, Parameshwara said that the party should try to retain all the seats in the coastal belt in the forthcoming Zilla Panchayat and Taluk Panchayat elections. He called upon the party workers to work towards strengthening the party in the view of forthcoming MLC, ZP, and GP elections. There are 66,000 booths in the State.