Home Minister G Parameshwara on Saturday reiterated the Karnataka government’s strong resolve to preserve peace and communal harmony in the Dakshina Kannada region. Chairing a high-level law and order review meeting at the City Police Commissioner’s office in Mangaluru, Parameshwara addressed recent tensions that have once again spotlighted the region on the state and national radar.

He acknowledged that incidents of communal violence have become a recurring concern in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi. Referring specifically to the murder of rowdy-sheeter Suhas Shetty, he warned that such killings could stoke fears of renewed unrest. “Society does not condone such violence. Peace is the foundation for investment, job creation, and overall progress. Our government is focused on maintaining that peace,” he stressed.

Parameshwara emphasized that both Shetty’s murder and a recent mob lynching posed grave threats to communal unity. Alongside district minister Dinesh Gundu Rao, he said directions had been issued for strict legal action against those making incendiary remarks. “We will take tough decisions to suppress divisive acts,” he said.

Recalling a past padayatra aimed at spreading communal harmony, he assured that the government would bring back the era when people joyfully visited the region. On allegations of glorification following Shetty’s death, he clarified: “Neither the government nor the police endorsed it. Our presence at the funeral was solely for law and order.”

The review meeting was attended by senior officials, including Dinesh Gundu Rao, ADGP Hithendra R, IGP Amit Singh, and Mangaluru Police Commissioner Anupam Agrawal.