Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (TP)
Udupi, Jun 14: “The Special Action Force (SAF) was formed based on the events that have occurred and are occurring in the coastal region,” said Dr G Parameshwara, minister of home affairs of Karnataka, while addressing the media during his visit to Udupi on June 14.
Responding to criticism from opposition leaders over the formation of a SAF in the coastal belt, Dr Parameshwara stated, “Some BJP leaders have objected to the creation of the SAF, including in Udupi. But this force was established in response to specific incidents in the region. There was no intention to label any district as communally sensitive. In fact, I have consistently said that such a situation should not arise. I have even appealed that the task force should ideally remain unused. If no communal disturbances occur, the force becomes unnecessary. Ultimately, it is up to the people to decide whether its presence is justified. And if it is not needed, that itself is a positive sign of prevailing communal harmony. There is absolutely no question of this affecting the dignity of any region.”
Dr Parameshwara added, “For example, we set up the ANF (Anti-Naxal Force) headquarters in the Karkala region in response to Naxal-related killings. Did that diminish Udupi’s dignity in any way? Did the presence of the ANF lower the region’s stature? Merely having a police presence does not mean the honour of a place is compromised. The police commissioner looks after Dakshina Kannada, and the inspector general supervises three districts—none of which affects the dignity of any region.”
He also addressed the issue of the caste census, affirming that the state government has decided to conduct a fresh enumeration. He noted that many communities and organizations had expressed dissatisfaction with the accuracy of the previous caste census data. “The earlier caste census is nearly ten years old, and about 1.5 crore people have been added to the population since then. After considering public concerns and suggestions, the government has decided to conduct a fresh caste census on a scientific basis. The process will include the newly added population,” he said.
Dr Parameshwara further clarified that the Kantharaju and Hegde reports from the earlier caste survey would not be discarded but would be reviewed. “Unlike the central government, which only conducts a general census, the state is taking a step further to understand the social, educational, and economic conditions of various communities,” he added.