Mangaluru: Speaker U T Khader terms recent district incidents a ’black mark’ on the region

Mangaluru: Speaker U T Khader terms recent district incidents a ’black mark’ on the region

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, June 12, 2025: Karnataka Assembly Speaker U T Khader has expressed strong concern over recent incidents in Dakshina Kannada, calling them a “black mark” on the region. “I am deeply hurt by the recent events. Our collective priority must be to maintain peace and harmony in the district,” he said.

Khader underscored that ensuring peace is a shared responsibility. “It’s not just the job of the government or elected representatives. Every citizen has a role in fostering a peaceful and united society. Our words and actions must build unity, not division,” he stressed.

Highlighting the role of law enforcement, he said the police must act decisively to maintain order. “Strict action is necessary to retain public confidence. No one has the right to take the law into their hands or make inflammatory statements,” he added.

He called on the Home Minister to implement a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for police functioning. “There’s a lack of consistency. Each officer handles situations differently. When a new officer took charge, we saw a different approach—why wasn’t that followed earlier? A standardized SOP is essential.”

Khader said a letter will be sent to the Home Minister requesting a high-level probe into the role of the former Police Commissioner and Superintendent of Police in connection with the recent disturbances.

He also remarked that individuals accused in murder cases should be entirely excluded from public, political, and even legal platforms.

When asked about the recent stampede in Bengaluru, Khader said, “Such incidents are unfortunate and must be avoided. However, I was not in Bengaluru at the time and do not have full details of the situation.”