Peace and Development-Friendly Atmosphere Returning to Mangaluru: Home Minister G Parameshwara

Mangaluru: Incidents of hate crimes and vigilante attacks targeting youth in public places have reduced significantly in Coastal Karnataka, indicating that a conducive atmosphere for peace and development has returned to Mangaluru, Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara said on Tuesday.

Speaking to reporters after the review meeting in Mangaluru, he said the change was visible on the ground and was supported by police data.

“The spate of hate-related killings witnessed in the district a few years ago has stopped. This has given me a sense of satisfaction. A good environment and development-friendly atmosphere is returning to Dakshina Kannada, especially in Mangaluru, and this should continue,” he said.

The minister said that after the state’s capital, Bengaluru, Mangaluru, Hubballi and Belagavi are among the most important centers of financial transactions in the state, making the region economically important.

“The atmosphere is returning to normal here. Development and growth are also accelerating. Tourism needs to be strengthened and the government is taking measures to promote soft industries such as IT and semiconductor-related units,” he said.

Responding to a question regarding IT Minister Priyank Kharge’s contrary statement, Home Minister G Parameshwara said Kharge might not have made a specific reference to Mangaluru.

“He may have said something, but no one is putting the area in a bad light,” he said.

Parameshwar maintained that his assessment of the area was based on official police data and input from officers.

G Parameshwara said, “It is true that there were problems before, it is also true that there is change now. I am saying this officially as the Home Minister, based on data. Murders have decreased, drug cases have decreased and other illegal activities have also decreased, which means peace has returned. Occasional incidents cannot be generalized. I am making this statement based on this information. I do not know from what perspective he (Priyank Kharge) is making his statement.”

Recalling the past situation, he said there was a time when parents from the region were sending their children to Bengaluru and Mysuru for education, saying it was not safe to study in the coastal belt. “When I came here as the chairman of the manifesto committee (in the 2023 parliamentary elections), there were people who said this to me personally. But I do not see such a situation now,” he said.

“There have been incidents of attacks against girls and boys before, when they were together in cafes or ice cream shops. I asked the police officers if this situation continues now. They said no,” he said.

He praised the efforts of the police authorities and the active participation of the public towards restoring peace in the area.

“No matter what kind of initiatives the ministry takes, people must respond. No ministry can do anything without their response. I really appreciate the people who responded to our call and efforts. That is why our efforts and incidents have decreased,” he said, and argued that in general, the region is moving towards normality and peace.