Former Karnataka Legislative Council Chairman and Congress fact finding committee member V R Sudarshan speaks to reporters on June 6, Friday, in Mangaluru. Committee head Syed Nasir Hussan, members K Jayaprakash Hegde, Kimmane Rathnakar and Manjunath Bhandary are a seen.
| Photo Credit: ANIL KUMAR SASTRY
The panel set up by Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) to study the reasons and solutions for the communal unrest in coastal districts will submit an interim report to the party and the government of Karnataka next week, said V. R. Sudarshan, one of its members.
The former chairman of the Karnataka Legislative Council told reporters in Mangaluru that the committee had arrived in Mangaluru on June 4 evening. It held extensive discussions and deliberations with a host of people and organisations to know the reasons and solutions for the unrest. Though it was supposed to visit Udupi and Uttara Kannada districts from June 9 to 11 to assess the situation there, the members would meet the party president and the Chief Minister on June 9 or 10 before submitting the interim report, he said.
Mr. Sudarshan said the committee was appalled at the fact that crimes resulting out of some personal issues were being given either communal or social colour thereby disturbing peace in society in the coast. While 2% of the population is indulging in such activities, another 8% is attempting to reap political benefits from such acts even as the rest of the population badly needs peace to prevail for the overall development of the region.
Former in-charge minister of undivided Dakshina Kannada district K. Jayaprakash Hegde said the region did not witness hate crimes three decades ago.
| Photo Credit:
ANIL KUMAR SASTRY
Former in-charge minister of undivided Dakshina Kannada district (1994-97) K. Jayaprakash Hegde said the region did not witness such activities three decades ago when he was the in-charge minister. Personal issues were being portrayed as social or community issues with political parties joining the communal bandwagon. Consequently, people were hesitating to visit or stay in the region that is known as a hub of healthcare, education and tourism, Mr. Hegde said.
Congress’ fact-finding committee head and Rajya Sabha MP Syed Nasir Hussain (centre) said the panel has evaluated the role of every stakeholder in the coastal region for the present situation. Committee members Kimmane Rathnakar, Manjunath Bhandary, V. R. Sudarshan, and K. Jayaprakash Hegde.
| Photo Credit:
ANIL KUMAR SASTRY
Roles being examined
Committee head and Rajya Sabha Member Syed Nasir Hussain said the members were evaluating the role of every stakeholder in the region, right from private individuals to political parties and the executive (administration). It has zeroed in on some of the shortcomings and would recommend to the party and the government to address them on priority. The members have critically evaluated the role of the administration, he added.
Members of the committee include former minister Kimmane Rathnakar and MLC Manjunath Bhandary.
Published – June 06, 2025 12:46 pm IST