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Karnataka government allows two rights activists to negotiate with Veerappan

Sadananda R in Chamarajanagar

The Karnataka government on Thursday allowed human rights activists Sukumaran and Prof Kalyani to start negotiations with forest brigand Veerappan to secure the release of his hostage, former state minister H Nagappa.

State Home Minister Mallikarjuna Kharge, however, said they were not official emissaries explaining the government accepted the duo's 'voluntary offer' to mediate.

"We always maintained that anyone who wants to negotiate is welcome," he added.

But Veerappan has till now maintained silence on the offer of the two to talk to him.

Sukumaran and Kalyani had met Kolathur Mani and Nedumaran to discuss the issue, the details of which have not been made public.

Police sources, however, told rediff.com that both the prospective emissaries were given recorded messages by Mani and Nedumaran to be delivered to Veerappan.

Mani, the sources said, has already made contact with the brigand through his brother Palaniswamy and asked Veerappan to accept Sukumaran and Kalyani as emissaries.

"The offer from Sukumaran and Kalyani is a logical development in this direction," one source said.

Since the government has announced its decision to accept the duo's offer to negotiate with the brigand, Veerappan may spell out his acceptance in a day or two, sources said.

Meanwhile, heavy rains lashing the Sathyamanglam forest range for the last four days, where the brigand is suspected to be hiding, has been giving anxious moments to Nagappa's family about the former state minister's health.

H Nagappa Abduction: Complete coverage
The Abduction of Dr Rajakumar
The Hunt for Veerappan

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