Date:26/09/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/09/26/stories/2008092655740600.htm

Karnataka

Central team for more action in Karnataka

Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI: The high-level Central team that visited Karnataka on September 23 and 24 to review the steps taken by the State government in the wake of the communal incidents targeting Christians and their religious institutions has concluded that the affected minority community was “visibly upset and unhappy” at the mishandling of the situation.

The two-member team, headed by Special Secretary (Internal Security) M.L. Kumawat, submitted its report to the Home Ministry. The team’s visit followed a stern advisory sent to the State government by the Union Home Ministry. Talking to presspersons here, Mr. Kumawat said the team held meetings with the Deputy Commissioners and Superintendents of Police of the districts concerned as well as the State Chief Secretary and Director-General of Police. He said the State had asked for three companies of Rapid Action Force which was agreed to. The State Home Minister wanted two India Reserve battalions to be raised, for which proposal from the State government was asked for favourable consideration.

Mr. Kumawat said that the affected community had complained against the police. According to him, visible patrolling, more preventive action, more peace meetings are required to keep such communal incidents under check. He said comprehensive guidelines on how to deal with such incidents and situation were sent by the Centre in 1997.