Karnataka CM Shivakumar Seeks Report on Police Action Against Anti SIR Protesters and Journalists
The Chief Minister warns of accountability if excessive force is established, stressing that peaceful protest must be protected in Bengaluru as well as Delhi.
Bengaluru: Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar has sought a detailed report on the police action against anti SIR protesters and journalists in Bengaluru, warning that accountability would follow if any unnecessary use of force or excess was established.
In a statement on Tuesday, October 13, Shivakumar said the right to peaceful protest was fundamental to democracy and should be respected regardless of whether demonstrators disagreed with the Election Commission, the state government or the Chief Minister himself.
“The right to peaceful protest is fundamental to our democracy. We cannot demand that right for ourselves in Delhi and deny it to others in Bengaluru,” he said.
Shivakumar added that Karnataka must follow the same democratic standards it expects from other parts of the country, declaring that there would be no double standards in protecting the right to peaceful dissent.
The statement follows police action on Monday against protesters who had gathered near the Karnataka Chief Electoral Officer’s office to oppose the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and demand the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
Several demonstrators were detained before their planned march could begin. Women protesters and journalists covering the demonstration alleged that police personnel used excessive force and manhandled them. These allegations have prompted calls for a review of the police action.
Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge has also ordered a review of the incident, stating that peaceful demonstrations must be respected and protected. He said the police should facilitate peaceful protests rather than treat dissent as a threat to law and order.
The findings of the report sought by the Chief Minister are awaited. Any further action against the police personnel involved will depend on the outcome of the review.