CHENNAI, July 17: Tamil magazine "Nakkeeran" editor Gopal, whose help has been sought by the State government in establishing contact with forest brigand Veerappan, who is holding nine Karnataka Forest Department staff hostage, has asked the authorities to be specific about the message he has to convey to the elusive outlaw. Gopal, who has the distinction of having interviewed the notorious poacher-turned-sandalwood smuggler, said Veerppan had demanded general amnesty and a favourable response to the 10 demands earlier set out by him, as a pre-condition for the release of the hostages. However, the TN Government had indicated only that he would be permitted to surrender and that his life would be protected. The editor said unless the exact offer was spelt out, there would be no point in his trying to establish contact with one of the most feared of modern Indian outlaws, responsible for a series of brutal killings and known for his acts of vengence against suspected betrayers. Veerappan is holed up in the Kollegal forests on the Tamil Nadu and Karnataka border.

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