Restore harmony by recalling region's glorious past, says Home Minister Parameshwara

The Hindu

09-07-2025

Home Minister G. Parameshwara on Wednesday urged the residents of Dakshina Kannada to help restore normalcy by remembering the region's legacy of communal harmony. 'Our children should not grow up in fear,' he said.
Chairing the peace committee meeting here, Mr. Parameshwara said the situation has returned to almost normal after the police took stringent measures following the change of guard in the district police and the city commissionerate. 'Having formed the Special Action Force, don't force us to take more stringent steps,' he issued a veiled caution.
Agreeing with the majority of the district's elected representatives that it was more of an ideological difference between them (the BJP) and the government (the Congress), Mr. Parameshwara said the differences should not lead to the escalation of communalism. Dakshina Kannada was next only to Bengaluru in GST contribution at 6%, he noted.
Deadline for celebrations
Referring to legislators' objections to the police direction to wind up public religious celebrations by 11:30 p.m., Mr. Parameshwara asked who was responsible for the police issuing such a guideline. 'We will discuss, and won't be too strict,' he said.
Speaking to reporters later, the Minister said that, in total, 38 participants provided their suggestions and opinions. He would discuss them with the district in-charge, Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao, and come up with an action plan.
In his introductory address at the meeting, Mr. Rao said the Constitution has provided several fundamental rights, including the freedom of speech and the freedom to form associations. However, they should not be used to incite violence. The government was there to introduce several welfare measures to uplift the oppressed, he said, adding it was also the government's responsibility to maintain law and order strictly.
The recent incidents have damaged the social fabric in the region, and the government wants the restoration of peace. There should be dialogue between people and communities; only then peace prevails. 'Let the political agenda [of anyone] not lead to violence in the region,' he said.
U.T. Khader, Assembly Speaker; Capt. Brijesh Chowta, MP; MLAs, former MLAs, and former Ministers, as well as civil society members and senior government officials, were present.