Home Minister urges unity to bring back Dakshina Kannada's harmony and glory

Mangaluru: Home Minister Dr G Parameshwara said that everyone should join hands with the district administration and police to restore the past glory of Dakshina Kannada.

Speaking at a peace meeting with leaders from all walks of life and elected representatives at the Zilla Panchayat hall on Wednesday, he clarified that the meeting was not held with any malicious intent.

“The district, known for its educational institutions, has contributed immensely to the country’s economy by giving birth to several banks. Unfortunately, recent communal incidents have raised concerns among the people, who are now demanding a return to normalcy,” he said.

He assured that all suggestions received at the peace meeting will be discussed, and proactive measures will be taken to restore peace and harmony in the district.

Speaking on the drug menace, he said, “I will write to all educational institutions asking them to form anti-drug committees similar to anti-ragging committees. I have already instructed police officers in this regard. If any drug-related activities are found taking place within campus premises, the heads of those institutions will be held responsible,” he warned.

Regarding police instructions to end religious processions during upcoming festivals by 11:30 pm, the minister said, “Let us discuss the matter and arrive at a decision through dialogue.”

He said District In-Charge Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao will take a decision on constituting Sauharda Samitis in villages after discussing the pros and cons with officials. A district-level convention to showcase the region’s rich cultural legacy, involving people across political and religious lines, will be considered after the monsoon.

“At the end of the day, we want to ensure that peace is restored in the district and no one has to live in fear,” he added.

Dinesh Gundu Rao said that 95% of the people in the district want to live in harmony, free from fear. “Our political agenda should not lead to violence and hatred. There is a need to work together within the framework of the law,” he said.

Assembly Speaker U T Khader expressed hope that the peace meeting would lay a strong foundation for communal harmony in the district in the days to come.

Dakshina Kannada MP Capt Brijesh Chowta stressed the need for regular meetings with elected representatives. “There should not be a perception among the public that the government’s actions are biased. Elected representatives must be taken into confidence,” he said.

He also objected to the list of invitees, pointing out that no representative from the Kateel Durgaparameshwari Temple was invited. However, Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao clarified that invitations had been extended to religious leaders from all communities.

MLA Harish Poonja said communal incidents have often occurred in connection with issues such as illegal cow slaughter, so-called ‘love jihad’, and illegal sand mining. “The drug mafia has also contributed to law and order issues in the district. People are not provoked by speeches, but when their religious sentiments are hurt,” he remarked.

MLA Vedavyasa Kamath alleged that over 100 illegal slaughterhouses are operating in the district. “Communal unrest tends to occur when our beliefs are hurt,” he said.

MLA Dr Bharath Shetty emphasised the need to identify the root causes of these issues and find lasting solutions.

MLA Bhagirathi Murulya raised objections to the police visiting the houses of women late in the night in the name of investigation.