Daijiworld Media Network – Bengaluru (EP)

Bengaluru, Jul 11: Taking a stern stance against troublemakers, chief minister Siddaramaiah on Monday July 10 said that Karnataka Control of Organised Crimes (KCOC) Act and Goonda Act would be invoked against communal forces that indulge in repeated offences and disrupt peace, and that they would be driven out of the state.

Speaking to reporters after chairing a meeting of senior police officials held at the office of state director general of police here, the CM said, "I have instructed the police to take stringent action against those who sow the seeds of communal disharmony among people, create unrest and hamper the well-being of society, whoever it may be, and no matter which organization or outfit they belong to.

"Untoward incidents have been happening in the coastal region of Mangaluru and around for the past two months. Communal outfits have a role to play in it. Police have been instructed to keep a close watch on all such outfits, irrespective of which community or religion they claim to represent. A keen eye should be kept on the movements of communal goons. I have instructed the police to invoke Goonda Act against those who repeatedly commit such offences and banish them," the CM said.

"If Sri Rama Sene, PFI, Bajrang Dal, RSS, SDPI or any other outfit provokes or incites communal clashes, stringent action will be taken. Goonda Act would be invoked against rowdy-sheeters without any hesitation," he added.

Siddaramaiah also gave strict instructions to western range inspector general of police (IGP) to fire at those who create law and order problem.

The CM told the police officers from Dakshina Kannada, "You need not nurse the fear that BJP might come to power and you will face trouble. Congress will again form government in Karnataka. Therefore, act as per law and initiate steps against anyone who meddles with peace in the society or those found violating law, in spite of their stature and religious affiliation."

Siddaramaiah noted that the district of cultured and peace-loving, educated people was getting a bad name because of a few people. He said he is pained at the sullying of the reputation of this district because of communal passions flared by people aimed at getting political mileage.

"With elections approaching, communal forces are trying their best to spoil peace in the society. There is a possibility that some political parties are doing it for their gains. The government does not support any organization that harbours communal feelings," he said.

Taking the officials to task over the situation in Dakshina Kannada, he questioned, "Why could the police not stop communal clashes? How many cases have you filed against those inciting communal unrest? How many have been arrested for the stone-pelting, stabbings, assaults and murders so far? To what extent are politicians involved in all this?"

The CM then asked the state DGP to submit a report on the situation in Dakshina Kannada, and prior to that, to hold a peace meet with the leaders of different organizations and outfits belonging to different communities. "The coastal region has become a laboratory of communal forces. People who create communal unrest and those involved in the various related incidents should be arrested without delay," he told the police officers.

He also stressed that when prohibitory orders are in place, no protest, procession or public programme should be allowed at any cost. "Nobody is above the law. The responsibility to maintain law and order has been given to each ADGP in every district," he added.

"The government is with you. Take strong stand in matters of law and order," he told them.

"Police officials should do their work with utmost sincerity. There should be no mistakes due to neglect or irresponsibility. Each incident should be taken seriously. The government has provided several facilities for smooth functioning of the department. Promotions to staff from time to time, recruitment of staff, health of staff children, importance to their education, increase in allowances, vehicle facilities and such other facilities are provided by the government. As the government has provided facilities, we expect sincerity from you," he told the police officers.

"Maintain good rapport with people. It enables control of crimes. It is easier to prevent crimes than taking action later," he said. "Keep an eye on rowdies in important cities including Bengaluru. Senior officers should visit various police stations and make use of their experience," he suggested.