Bangalore: Karnataka was awaiting the intervention of Union Defence Minister George Fernandes in securing the early release of kidnapped Janata Dal United JD-U leader H Nagappa, state Home Minister Mallikarjun Kharge said.

He told reporters in Bangalore that Chief Minister S M Krishna on September 30 called on Fernandes and sought his help in ending the hostage crisis which entered 38th day on October 1.

He said the state was looking at Fernandes to use his influence on some non- government organisations (NGOs), working for tribal welfare to end the hostage crisis.

Kharge said family members of Nagappa themselves have admitted that Tamil Nadu's refusal to suspend the operations has impeded the process of establishing contact with the bandit.

The government had obliged to the requests of Nagappa's family members and JDU leaders to halt Special Task Force (STF) operations, he said.

The tribals are scared to enter forests fearing action from Tamil Nadu police, Kharge said.

PTI