Bangalore: Karnataka government has asked the state special task force (STF) to
suspend its operations against forest brigand Veerappan if it perceived any threat
to the life of Janata Dal - United (JD-U) leader H Nagappa, who is in the captivity
of the outlaw, Home Minister Mallikarjun Kharge said on September 13.
"If the operations are going to create problems and put Nagappa's life in danger, we
have told them (the STF) not to go ahead with it," Kharge said but hastened to add
that the STF would act according to the situation and their discretion.
Speaking to reporters, he said the STF had been clearly told that "safety" of
Nagappa was "most important". "The STF is proceeding keeping the interest of Nagappa
in mind," he said.
Kharge also said the government was willing to send a "credible negotiator" to
secure the release of Nagappa but "we are not getting anyone". "If anyone or any
organisation comes forward, we will ask them to go (to the jungles for negotiations
with Veerappan). We will not come in their way."
PTI
