Karnataka Congress Committee Recommends Amendments to Law Curbing Hate Speech in Coastal Region
Udupi: The Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC)-appointed Harmony Committee has recommended amendments to the law to impose restrictions on hate speech, aiming to restore communal harmony in the coastal districts. This recommendation follows an extensive discussion and dialogue held today at Hotel Kartik in Udupi with leaders from various organizations, including Scheduled Castes, communities, and fishermen.
The delegation, led by AICC General Secretary and Rajya Sabha member Syed Naseer Hussain and former Speaker V.R. Sudarshan, shared their views at a press conference after holding discussions with the District Commissioner, senior police officials, and leaders of Christian and Muslim communities. They emphasized that curbing hate speech would reduce opportunities for communal disharmony, thereby fostering development in the coastal region.
“The coastal region, a sensitive communal area, should not be allowed by civil society to become a ‘laboratory for communalism,’” stated Syed Naseer Hussain. He highlighted the importance of civil society’s role in preventing communal discord, given the region’s educated populace and the detrimental impact of disharmony on its strong education and health sectors.
The Harmony Committee’s two-day visit will culminate in a report to the party, incorporating opinions gathered during discussions aimed at establishing peace and harmony in Udupi and the broader coastal region. Recommendations will focus on preserving peace, fostering harmony, and outlining measures to bolster development in tourism, health, and education.
V.R. Sudarshan noted the significant contribution of the coastal districts to the state’s progress but lamented the recent incidents that have tarnished the region’s reputation. He attributed the disruption of communal harmony to a small percentage of troublemakers and those who exploit such incidents for political gain, while the majority suffer the consequences.
Former Minister and delegation member K. Jayaprakash Hegde reflected on the past, recalling a time when political rivalries existed without animosity or the misuse of religion. He contrasted this with the current situation, where public representatives often overlook developmental discussions and tacitly support divisive acts. Hegde emphasized the detrimental impact of communal disharmony on investment in the region and stressed the need for representatives to unite all communities to effect positive change.
KPCC working President Manjunath Bhandari, former Minister Kimmane Ratnakar, and Vinayakumar Sorake also addressed the gathering. Attendees included Congress district president Ashok Kumar Kodavoor, president Kishan Hegde Kollebail, M.A. Gaffoor, Udaykumar Muniyalu, Raju Poojary, Prasadraj Kanchan, Yateesh Karkera, Keerthi Shetty, and Krishna Shetty Bajagoli, among others.
The committee’s report will detail suggestions for preserving peace and harmony in the coastal districts, as well as measures to promote development in key sectors such as tourism, health, and education, based on extensive discussions with various segments of society.