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Cauvery dispute overshadows Nagappa's abduction

The Cauvery river crisis has overshadowed Nagappa's abduction for the time being. The abduction crisis is already 28 days old, but the government and the opposition parties in Karnataka are pre-occupied with the Cauvery river crisis.

The Kollegal block, the abducted former minister's constituency, is one of the main beneficiaries of the Kabini dam. With the recent Cauvery river struggle of the farmers, the government has not been able to concentrate on the abduction.

Nagappa's family is also silent and dejected. They refuse to answer any queries from journalists. "We are caught in a difficult situation," said a local Janata Dal, United, leader. "We need Cauvery for our existence and also want our leader to be released. But the government is busy with the water crisis. We can only hope for the best and wait patiently."

The brigand has also maintained silence and not sent any cassette for the last 20 days.

The withdrawal of the Karnataka Special Task Force's operations should have encouraged Veerappan to communicate with the government and the family.

Intelligence reports from Soliga tribals, on whom the brigand depends for his basic needs and information, indicate that the brigand is now in B R Hills.

But the Soligas have not been able to establish contact with the brigand, after the government approached them to do so.

Human rights activists from Tamil Nadu, Prof Kalyani and Sukumaran, had offered to go as emissaries, but the Karnataka government has not responded so far. Home Minister Mallikarjuna Kharge had even said that the two activists were going on their own and not as official emissaries of the state government.

With such conflicting signals from the government, the human rights activists have asked for immunity from legal hassles from both governments. But, with both governments fighting over the Cauvery waters, little cooperation can be expected from them. As a result, both activists have decided not to go now.

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

The Cauvery River Dispute: Full Coverage

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