Special Task Force to tackle communal unrest in coastal Karnataka

To rein in rising communal tensions in Karnataka’s coastal belt, the state government has approved the formation of a Special Task Force (STF) across Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, and Shivamogga districts.

These regions have witnessed recurring communal clashes that have disrupted law and order and drawn criticism over administrative inaction. In response, Home Minister Dr G Parameshwara had earlier announced in Mangaluru the creation of the STF to restore peace and stability.

The decision follows inputs and proposals from local police commissioners and superintendents. Intelligence sources have also flagged the movement of Naxal elements from Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand into border areas of Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu—prompting the need for enhanced ground presence.

To constitute the STF, the government will repurpose 248 positions from the existing 667 sanctioned posts of the Anti-Naxal Force (ANF). The remaining 376 ANF personnel will continue in their roles for the next three years.

The STF will be structured with:

1 Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIGP)
1 Deputy Superintendent of Police (Civil)
1 Assistant Commandant
4 Police/Rural Police Inspectors
16 Sub-Inspectors and equivalents
60 Head Constables
150 Constables
15 Support Staff

Three STF companies will be deployed in Udupi, Shivamogga, and Dakshina Kannada, serving as rapid-response units to deter communal disturbances and reinforce law enforcement in sensitive zones.

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#STFForPeace
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#StopCommunalViolence