Tackle communal tension in state

The highly surcharged atmosphere that has prevailed in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi, the two coastal districts of Karnataka, over the past few days or even weeks in some instances, is a matter of grave concern. Places like Bantwal, BC Road, Kaikamba and Melkar have turned into a cauldron due to communal disturbances which have claimed three lives in the last one month alone. As the latest victim, Sharat Madiwala, happened to be an RSS activist, the state BJP leaders have gone on an overdrive, accusing the Congress government led by Siddaramaiah of failing to effectively handle the law and order situation. Since then, there has been a war of words between the top leadership of the Congress and the BJP, with the language being used sometimes showing some of them in poor light.

First and foremost, the police should be given a free hand to deal with the situation impartially and without being subjected to any pressure from any quarters. That prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the CrPc have been in force in Bantwal taluk for over 45 days now, but that there has been no de-escalation of tension so far, speaks poorly of the performance of the local police. That Siddaramaiah, who also holds the home port folio, had to call a meeting at the DGP’s office a few days ago and berate all senior officers for their inaction, indicates a serious lapse on their part, unless their hands were tied by some external forces. Now that the chief minister has spoken out in loud and clear terms, he should make sure that none of his colleagues, including the district in-charge minister, interferes in the work of the police.

It is reassuring to hear from Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order) Alok Mohan that the police have definite clues on those directly and indirectly involved in the recent murders and they would be arrested soon. He has also given an assurance that investigating teams are headed by experienced officers and no innocent persons would be harassed. In a communally sensitive situation, it is important that the police act impartially and without bias so that they restore confidence among all aggrieved communities and normalcy could be restored at the earliest. The police should also thoroughly investigate into the charges whether political clashes in neighbouring Kerala have spilled over into Karnataka’s coastal region. Last but not the least, ministers and leaders of all political parties also have a responsibility to act impartially and without any prejudice as they represent all sections of people and not any particular community.