More than 60 academics, writers, filmmakers and retired civil servants have written to the Karnataka chief minister urging prompt prosecution of instigators and perpetrators of communal hate and violence, regretting that even “people in responsible positions” were demonising minorities.

The signatories sent the open letter to Basavaraj Bommai on Friday under the aegis of Bahutva Karnataka (Pluralist Karnataka) after waiting for a month for an appointment with him.

The letter reminds Bommai that the state that Kuvempu, revered as Rashtra Kavi in Karnataka, had described as “Sarva janangada shantiya thota (a garden of peace for diverse communities)” was now known for hate and violence against minority communities.

“It is even more alarming and distressing that some people in responsible positions, including several who hold office having taken an oath to uphold and abide by the letter and spirit of the Constitution of India, now openly violate that solemn pledge and demonise members of certain minorities,” the letter says.

“They also appear to validate, support and even promote intimidation, vigilantism, violence, forcible takeover of property, as well as social and economic boycotts, all aimed at rendering them (minorities) second-class citizens who can no longer expect to enjoy their constitutional rights.”

The allusion seems to be to statements from several BJP lawmakers and ministers that openly supported acts of hatred.

The signatories include historian Ramachandra Guha, writers Shashi Deshpande, Ammu Joseph and Poile Sengupta, filmmakers Girish Kasaravalli, M.S. Sathyu and Kavitha Lankesh (sister of slain journalist Gauri Lankesh), professor of public health Mohan Rao, former diplomat Chiranjeev Singh, retired civil servants Yellappa Reddy and N.T. Abroo, and academics Chandan Gowda and S. Japhet.

“Direct the state’s police force to do its constitutional duty to uphold the law, safeguard vulnerable citizens and guarantee that victims of crimes, including communal and casteist hate crimes, have full access to justice, and also that witnesses can come forward to testify, confident that they will receive due protection,” the letter says.

It seeks action against local authorities, including deputy commissioners and police chiefs, over communal incidents that cause loss of lives and livelihoods.

“Take prompt and strong action against hate speech that dehumanises members of particular communities, and against the increasingly frequent, vicious calls for physical violence, as well as (the) equally damaging social and economic boycotts,” the letter says.

It urges steps to curb the spread of fake news and misinformation against minorities.

“Take immediate cognisance of and stand up publicly against the misinformation and false stories about minorities that are regularly being circulated now — in the form of public utterances as well as through social and other forms of media — which aggravate the risk of citizens who belong to such communities being subjected to discrimination and violence,” the letter says.

“Urge those sections of the media that have been openly stoking the fires of division and discord by promoting intolerance, hatred and violence, and spreading fake news and false rumours, to immediately stop such malpractice. They must know that unscrupulous media that violate the established principles, standards and ethics of journalism and vitiate peace and harmony in our state do not enjoy impunity.”

Karnataka has witnessed an increase in communal hatred and violence since Bommai took over as chief minister last July.

Sangh parivar outfits have raided Christian prayer halls and churches, led successful campaigns against the hijab on campuses and against Muslim vendors at temple festivals, urged a boycott of halal products including meat, and held noisy protests against mosque loudspeakers.

Eminent entrepreneur Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, executive chairperson and founder of city-based pharma major Biocon Limited, had in March cautioned that the state would lose its global leadership in information technology and biotechnology if communal violence was allowed to continue.

“We believe the restoration of communal harmony is an important and urgent task and trust that the government you (Bommai) head will not wish to go down in history as the one that precipitated a steep downturn in the reputation and fortunes of our state through inaction,” the letter says.