Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru

Bengaluru, Nov 1: New state home minister Parameshwar, who was recently given the cabinet berth in the Siddaramaiah-led state government and the home affairs portfolio formerly held by K J George, on Saturday October 31 said that he would give top priority to curbing communal forces and moral policing in the state.

"My top priority will be to curb communal forces in the state. Police personnel who fail to take appropriate action against moral policing will be held responsible and dealt with," he said, during a meeting with higher police officials at his residence here on his first day as home minister.

"The coastal region has become a hub for terrorists. Such activities in Mangaluru, Udupi, Karwar, Belagavi, Hubballi and other places will be brought under control," he added.

"Communal forces have been increasingly plaguing the state and incidents of moral policing are also on the rise. This has happened because of the style of functioning of some police officers," he claimed.

"In coastal and Malnad regions and in some other parts of the state, some outfits affiliated to the Sangh Parivar are oppressing and assaulting people of other communities, minorities and Dalits in the name of religion. Those who consume beef are being attacked. People are finding it difficult to lead a peaceful life," he said, adding, "In spite of some many incidents, some police officers are still sitting quiet with their hands tied."

"Some evil forces are constantly trying to bring a bad name to the state government. Such anti-social forces should be nipped in the bud in the beginning itself. A keen watch should be kept on those who try to create communal disturbances and they should be dealt with strictly. The state government will extend all support for this cause," Parameshwar said.

While taking the police department into task over the above matters, he also praised the officers and the personnel for doing a good job in the state. "So far, law and order in the state has been handled very well, and in future also it should continue. The police department faces a lot of challenges, and everyone must join hands to resolve them. I am ready to extend all support to the police department. In return, you must do your duty with honesty, integrity and sincerity," he told the police officers.

"The people should not lose trust in the police department or the government because of the increase in communal forces. Action should be taken without any hesitation against anyone who breaks the law, no matter who that person is. I will not interfere with the police affairs, and will always support those who work well. However, I will not remain silent if anyone tests my patience or misuses my name," he said.

To a question by reporters, Parameshwar said that he did not ask for the home affairs portfolio and that it was the decision of chief minister Siddaramaiah. "K J George had done an excellent work as home minister and I am thankful to him. He should have been retained as home minister," he added.