Salem: Defence Minister George Fernandes on September 18 said the Centre was ready to extend all co-operation to Tamil Nadu and Karnataka to help them nab sandalwood smuggler Veerappan.

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"If both governments approach the Centre, we will certainly extend help," he told reporters at Yercaud before leaving for Vellore by helicopter.

However, nabbing the brigand was the responsibility of the states concerned, he said.

On the continuing violence in Jammu and Kashmir, he said people need not worry as the Army was competent enough to handle it.

Asked about the relationship between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), he said, "It is very good. We still have one year for the elections. We have got time to talk about alliances."

PTI