India - Karnataka: New panel to discuss Justice Somashekhara Commission’s report on church attacks

The New Indian Express
Panel to review church attack report

By Express News Service - MANGALORE

20th June 2013 10:31 AM

“As the Justice Somashekhara Commission’s report on church attacks was not submitted before the Cabinet sub-committee, we need to discuss the report first by setting up a fresh sub-committee,” said Home Minister K J George.

At a press meet on Wednesday, he said that the previous BJP government had not submitted the report before the Cabinet sub-committee. “We will take further action only after discussing the report,” he added.

The Home Minister also directed police to take stringent action against the drug mafia, illegal activities, moral policing and others, keeping the future of the society in mind.

“I will meet the demands of the Police Department with regard to filling up vacant posts and upgrading weapons after consulting Chief Minister Siddaramaiah,” he said.

Highlighting proposals before the government that will benefit the Police Department, he said that the government would disburse loans under the ‘self financing scheme’ to help the police build their own houses.

To another query, he said the Karnataka Police (Amendements) Act would not curtail rights as amendments had been made with the consent of the Supreme Court.

On the Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS), George said the Anti-naxal Force (ANF) was a temporary one while ATS would be permanent.

ATS personnel will receive training in jungle warfare, on combing forests and others. He clarified that the launch of ATS does not mean ANF would lose its focus on anti-naxal operations.

“We will take all measures to ensure the security of minorities and residents of the state,” he said.

Later, he was felicitated by the Vicar General of Mangalore Diocese Msgr Denis Moras Prabhu to mark his first visit to the Bishop’s House.