Identifying Kasaragod, the northernmost district of I Kerala, as a communal cauldron where 1,113 cases of communal conflict have occurred in the past 10 years, the Kerala Police have recommended constitution of a specially trained force to be stationed permanently for ensuring peace and social harmony.
A detailed report submitted to Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, S Sreejith and Deputy Inspector General of Police (North) said that the tensions recurring in Kasaragod had not been political but communal. The main reason for serious communal flare-ups was the failure to settle simple issues as and when they occur, the report says.
Sreejith recommends the constitution of a 900-personnel strong special police force for Kasaragod to be deployed in the first phase in a 54-km north-south stretch, mostly along the coastal belt. The personnel should be given CRPF-level training and also they should be trained in methods of dealing with the communal conflicts, the report says.
The Government, which has already approved the report, has assured the police department that steps will be taken immediately for the constitution of a special force.
A copy of the report had been submitted to Director General of Police Jacob Punnoose. The Kanhangad region of Kasaragod district had witnessed widespread communal violence since mid-October.
A copy of the report had been submitted to Director General of Police Jacob Punnoose. The Kanhangad region of Kasaragod district had witnessed widespread communal violence since mid-October.
As per 2005 statistics, Kasaragod had a Muslim population of over four lakh while Hindus numbered about seven lakh. The district's Christian population was then close to 85,000.
Muslims constitute 24.7 per cent of the total Kerala population while Hindus form 56.20 per cent and Christians 19 per cent.
Muslims constitute 24.7 per cent of the total Kerala population while Hindus form 56.20 per cent and Christians 19 per cent.
Sreejith's report has recommended giving emphasis to patrolling by the police in trouble-prone areas, opening of special control rooms for people to access in emergency and strengthening of the police force in number and preparedness in the district. Sub divisions should function based at Kasaragod, Hosdurg and Vellarikkundu, it says.
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