Gopal returns, with Rajkumar tape and Veerappan's whims

Gopal returns, with Rajkumar tape and Veerappan's whims
AGENCIES

CHENNAI, SEPTEMBER 6: Apart from a video cassette on actor Rajkumar's condition, official emissary and Nakeeran editor R.R. Gopal had nothing to offer on his return from Veerappan's hideout on Wednesday. The bandit is adamant that Rajkumar and two other hostages will be set free only when 121 detenus in Karnataka and five extremists in Tamil Nadu are released, he stated.

Gopal said the bandit was ``satisfied'' with the attempts of the Tamil Nadu and Karnataka governments to secure the release of the detenus. He had abandoned the third round of negotiations on August 31 itself, after it became clear that Veerappan wasn't relenting, said Gopal, but he stayed on in the hope that the court ruling would change the bandit's mind. ``I decided to return since I felt there is no point in continuing the talks when the matter is before court,'' he said.

Asked if the Karnataka High Court order staying the proceedings of the Sadashiv Commission, constituted to probe into alleged atrocities committed by the Special Task Force, would hinder the progress of negotiations with Veerappan, Gopal said, ``Let us not discuss court matters''.

Following Gopal's return, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi will meet his Karnataka counterpart S.M. Krishna in Bangalore on September 8 to decide on future strategy.

Karunanidhi sought to clarify that the release of the hostages was being delayed only in the wake of the Supreme Court stay on the release of the detenus. At this juncture, an alternative course of action was not called for, he said.

Karunanidhi denied any difference of opinion between the Tamil Nadu and Karanataka governments on handling of the crisis. He also ruled out an alternative emissary to Gopal. The editor too, when asked if he would trek back into the jungle for a fourth attempt at negotiation, said, ``I have been going to the woods at the behest of the two governments. If they want me to go again, I will go''.