The Karnataka state government is taking a decisive step to strengthen law and order in Mandya district by planning to deploy a Special Action Force (SAF). This move comes in response to the district reporting a significant number of communal incidents over the past five years.
Alarming Statistics Prompt Proactive Measures
Official data reveals a concerning trend in Mandya. In the last five years, the district has reported 46 cases of communal clashes. A closer look at the taluk-wise breakdown shows Nagamangala as the most sensitive area, accounting for a staggering 24 cases. Maddur taluk followed with 10 cases, Srirangapatana reported 9, and Mandya taluk itself recorded 3 cases.
Mallikarjun Baladandi, the Superintendent of Police for Mandya, confirmed these figures, highlighting the need for specialized intervention. He noted that periods like the Ganesha festival immersion have historically seen a spike in such reports.
Expanding a Proven Security Model
The decision to introduce the SAF in Mandya is based on a model already deployed in other sensitive regions of Karnataka. Earlier, the force was established in the coastal districts of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi, as well as the Malnad region's Shivamogga district. In these areas, the SAF was credited with helping to control a rise in violent crimes and communal unrest, preventing escalation, and restoring public confidence.
Following a state-wide review of the law and order situation, authorities have now identified Mandya as a district that would benefit from this specialized force. While large-scale disturbances have not occurred, the administration is opting for a precautionary strategy to ensure peace and harmony.
Role and Expectations of the Special Action Force
The Special Action Force is trained for swift response and effective handling of volatile situations. In Mandya, the SAF will work in close coordination with the local police. Its operations are expected to include:
- Area domination and increased patrols in sensitive pockets.
- Intelligence-based operations to deter anti-social elements.
- Proactive measures to curb any attempts to disrupt communal harmony.
SP Baladandi expressed optimism about the force's impact, stating, "The Special Action Force proposed by the state government will help in curbing communal clashes, and it will go a long way in keeping peace." The move signifies a shift towards a more robust and pre-emptive approach to maintaining law and order in communally sensitive regions of the state.
