The Karnataka government has taken proactive measures to maintain public order by issuing formal notices to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and several other organizations planning route marches across the state. The authorities have mandated that these groups must first conduct peace meetings with local communities and obtain necessary permissions before proceeding with their planned processions.
Preventive Measures Across Multiple Districts
According to official sources, the notices have been dispatched to organizations including the RSS, Bajrang Dal, and Popular Front of India (PFI) in sensitive districts such as Shivamogga, Dakshina Kannada, and Mangaluru. The government's intervention comes as a preventive measure to ensure that these events don't escalate into communal tensions or public disturbances.
Specific Requirements Outlined
The notices clearly specify that organizations must:
- Conduct peace committee meetings with local residents
- Obtain written consent from community representatives
- Ensure adequate security arrangements are in place
- Provide detailed route plans and participant estimates
- Comply with all COVID-19 safety protocols
Historical Context of Tensions
This decision follows previous incidents where route marches led to communal clashes in certain districts. The state government, having learned from past experiences, is taking no chances with public safety. "The priority is maintaining peace and harmony," stated a senior police official who preferred to remain anonymous.
In Shivamogga particularly, authorities have been extra vigilant following recent tensions. The district administration has been instructed to monitor the situation closely and ensure that all processions adhere strictly to the established guidelines.
Organizational Responses
While the RSS has maintained that their marches are peaceful cultural processions, local authorities emphasize that the precautionary measures are necessary given the sensitive nature of these events in current times. The organizations have been given specific deadlines to comply with the requirements or face cancellation of their planned events.
The state home department has coordinated with local police forces to implement these measures uniformly across all districts, ensuring that no organization receives preferential treatment regardless of their political affiliations or ideological leanings.
