Daijiworld Media Network – Karkala (JD)
Karkala, Jul 8: In a significant statement addressing rising communal tensions in the coastal region, Karnataka home minister Dr G Parameshwara clarified that the Anti-Communal Wing is not intended to be a permanent fixture and asserted that maintaining peace should eliminate the need for such a force.
He was speaking to the media in Karkala on Tuesday, July 8 during a private visit to the Durgaparameshwari temple along with his wife, where he attended a religious programme. No official meetings were part of the visit.
“This section [Anti-Communal Force] should not exist permanently. In fact, it must not. Our goal is to create peace in society,” the home minister said.
Commenting on the changing atmosphere in the region, he said, “Earlier, people from the Malnad region admired the coastal belt. But in recent years, the situation seems to have worsened. If peace is restored here, such forces will no longer be required, and those who instigate unrest will be rendered irrelevant.”
Indirectly targeting BJP leaders, he said the Anti-Communal Force exists because of those who provoke communal tensions. “We will convene a peace meeting to send a strong message to society,” he added.
Referring to the rise in violent incidents, especially in Dakshina Kannada, Dr Parameshwara stated, “Several murders have been reported recently. A special team has already been formed to investigate these crimes, and a few officers have been transferred to improve the response.”
He further announced that a peace meeting, originally planned earlier, will now be held in Mangaluru on Wednesday. “This meeting will be non-partisan — above politics, caste, or religion,” he said, adding that public representatives, religious leaders, and citizens will be invited. “Our intention is to send a strong message of peace.”
Addressing political developments, the home minister said, “I have no dissatisfaction. I have been given the home portfolio for the third time and I am fulfilling my responsibilities seriously. There is no question of discontent.” Emphasizing his non-confrontational approach, he added, “I do not indulge much in political commentary, nor are we seeking any change in the current structure.”
Responding to chief minister Siddaramaiah’s recent statement that he would serve the full five-year term, Dr Parameshwara said, “He has already clarified that. There is no need to discuss it repeatedly.”
On the CM and deputy CM D K Shivakumar’s recent visit to Delhi, he remarked, “It is an official visit. I just spoke to the CM; he mentioned he is leaving tomorrow. There’s nothing unusual. He is recovering from fever and is fit to travel. Speculations in the media are unfounded.”
When questioned about a yaga (ritual) he performed, Parameshwara responded, “What’s wrong with praying for prosperity? I prayed for everyone’s well-being — yours and mine. As for the meaning of ‘prosperity’, you may interpret it in your own way. If I explain everything, what’s left for you to assess?”
Asked if the ritual was aimed at destroying enemies, he smiled and said, “Who are these enemies? I don’t know of any. I performed the yaga for the welfare of the world. I have no enemies. If there are any, you can go and find them.”
Dr Parameshwara’s remarks come amid growing political speculation and leadership discussions in Karnataka. His calm and measured statements reflected an intention to avoid controversy and reaffirm stability in the state’s governance.