Panel to Stop Communal Violence

Special Action Force, headed by DIG-rank officer, to prevent violence in Dakshina Kannada

- EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE @ Bengaluru

In a bid to tackle the rising instances of communal violence, the Karnataka government has established a Special Action Force (SAF) to monitor and prevent unrest in the districts of Dakshina Kannada, Udupi and Shivamogga.

Headed by a DIG-rank officer, the task force will focus on monitoring communal elements, hate speech, and social media content, while working closely with local police to ensure peace and security.

The SAF comprises 248 personnel, who have been reassigned from the Anti-Naxal Force (ANF). It will be organized into three companies, each stationed in one of the three districts that have experienced recurring communal tensions in recent years.

The force's responsibilities include monitoring hate speech, inflammatory statements, and extremist activities, as well as tracking social media content that could incite violence.

The SAF will also collaborate with local police forces to address any communal incidents.