Anti-communal task force a good initiative

Curbing communalism in Karnataka’s coastal districts calls for concerted effort

The Karnataka government’s decision to set up an anti-communal task force for Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts, in the wake of the Suhas Shetty murder, is a necessary step, but an inadequate response to the region’s persistent tensions. While stronger law enforcement can deter immediate violence, it cannot address the entrenched societal divisions that fuel recurring unrest. As these coastal districts have long been a tinderbox of religious and political polarisation, the proposed task force, aimed at curbing hate speech and communal violence, may only bring short-term relief. Home Minister G Parameshwara’s vow to crack down on instigators is welcome, but history teaches us that punitive measures alone cannot ensure lasting peace. The area has seen repeated cycles of retaliatory violence, often inflamed by political actors who benefit from polarisation. True peace requires more than policing; it demands reconciliation and a long-term strategy to build trust. It may be far more productive to establish a broad-based committee comprising religious leaders, civil society representatives, scholars, and conflict-resolution experts to study the root cause of communal tension, and recommend tailored solutions.

The political response so far has revealed a collective failure. The BJP’s tendency to communalise incidents and the Congress’ reactive measures expose the absence of a sustained  strategy for harmony. Investigations suggest a disturbing trend where anti-social elements exploit religious activism as a cover for their criminality. This manipulation, regardless of religion, must be condemned, not glorified for political gain. The case of Suhas Shetty exemplifies this. District in-charge minister Dinesh Gundu Rao has released documents to indicate that the two murder cases against Shetty, including that of a Dalit, were registered during the BJP’s tenure. The rowdy sheet against him was opened when Basavaraj Bommai was the home minister. 

Sustainable peace requires a deeper grassroots effort. Setting up peace committees to foster an honest dialogue among all parties concerned is the first step towards creating a conducive atmosphere. The government must also tackle underlying socio-economic grievances—unemployment, educa tional gaps and lack of opportunities— that leave youth open to radicalisation. The people of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi should realise how communal disharmony serves narrow political agendas while endangering their collective future. The region has vast potential in trade, tourism and education, but chronic instability could scare away investors. The government’s approach must evolve from reactive policing to proactive healing. Suppressing violence without addressing the conditions that sustain it is like capping a volcano without cooling the magma. Only a holistic approach rooted in justice, inclusive development, and sustained dialogue can break the cycle of violence. If peace is to take root, the region must move from reaction to resolution.