Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (MS)
Mangaluru, Nov 30: Home Minister Dr G Parameshwara has directed the police department to take strong action against communal forces and work towards fostering peace in Dakshina Kannada, a district he believes has the potential to develop like Mumbai.
Inaugurating new residential complexes for Mangaluru and Bellare police personnel, as well as new police stations in Subrahmanya and Panemangalore, the minister underscored the need for communal harmony to drive progress.
Speaking at the event, Dr Parameshwara addressed concerns from his first visit to the district as home minister. “Local professionals, industrialists, and residents have expressed dissatisfaction, citing that despite reputed educational institutions, children are leaving the district, and there is little interest from external investors. There’s even a societal taboo on simple acts like meeting friends for coffee. To combat communal unrest, I formed the Communal Task Force, which has already reduced such conflicts by 50%. A peaceful environment must be cultivated for progress,” he said.
Dr Parameshwara also emphasised improving relations between the police and the public. “We must change the mindset that anyone visiting a police station is a criminal. Police stations should be welcoming places where people are offered tea and coffee. This initiative, originally allocated Rs 1 lac, will continue,” he assured.
The minister highlighted improvements in police housing, noting that when he visited police quarters in 2015, he reported their poor condition to then-chief minister Siddaramaiah, resulting in the construction of modern residential quarters. “No state has built such advanced facilities for police personnel. Currently, 45% of our police force has access to quarters, and our goal is to extend this to all,” he added. Dr Parameshwara also shared that Rs 500 crore has been allocated for 1,600 homes this year, with ongoing discussions for additional funding.
He praised Karnataka police as one of the best in the country, commending their adoption of modern technologies such as AI-powered surveillance cameras. “The department is equipped with skilled personnel and has adapted to modern demands,” he said.
Dr Parameshwara also encouraged police personnel to ensure their children receive quality education and aspire to prestigious positions like IAS and IPS.
MLC Ivan D’Souza addressed challenges such as drug trafficking and traffic issues in Mangaluru, identifying them as significant tasks for the police. He lauded the improvements in the police department under Dr Parameshwara’s leadership.
Puttur MLA Ashok Rai requested funding for a women’s police station in Puttur and suggested relocating the SP office or DAR unit to the region. In response, Dr Parameshwara announced Rs 1 crore for the construction of the women’s police station in B Kettagari and assured that the relocation request would be reviewed.
The event was attended by MP Capt Brijesh Chowta, IGP western range Amit Singh, SP Yatish N, DCPs Siddharth Goyal and Ravishankar, and Coast Guard commander M A Agarwal. Mangaluru police commissioner Anupam Agarwal welcomed the gathering, and ASP Rajendra delivered the vote of thanks.
Earlier, speaking to news persons, Parameshwara said he had instructed police to take decisive action against drug peddlers, stressing that there will be no compromise in the fight against narcotics.
Parameshwara revealed that narcotics worth Rs 250 crore had been seized and destroyed over the past year. He also emphasised that authorities are actively targeting the networks behind the drug trade.
“We are relentlessly working to dismantle these networks. Action is being taken against foreign students involved in the trade, with their embassies informed for deportation. In some cases, the Goonda Act has been invoked. There is no room for leniency,” he said.
Parameshwara highlighted the need for a comprehensive approach, urging police to regularly visit schools and colleges to educate students about the dangers of narcotics. He warned that the rise of synthetic drugs, more harmful than traditional substances like ganja, is destroying the youth and damaging their nervous systems.
“The future of our children is at stake. Police must treat every child as their own and take a firm stand against drug peddlers,” he added.
The minister also addressed the ongoing Naxalite issue, encouraging militants to surrender and reintegrate into society. “The government has offered a surrender package, and police are actively engaging with Naxals in forest areas. It’s in their best interest to return to the mainstream,” he said.
On political matters, Parameshwara left decisions on the KPCC president and cabinet restructuring to the Congress high command, and commented on the controversial statements of Chandrashekharanath Swamiji, asserting, “The law is the same for all. No one is above it, and the police will take action as per legal procedures.”