Bangalore: Stung by the killing of Janata Dal United (JD-U) leader H Nagappa,
Karnataka Chief Minister S M Krishna on December 31 declared that government would
never negotiate in "any hostage crisis" whether it involved forest brigand Veerappan
or "anybody else".
"Hereafter, it will be our clear policy. Whether it is Veerappan or anybody else, in
cases of kidnap, we will not negotiate", Krishna said, wrapping up the 17-hour long
marathon debate on the Nagappa issue in Karnataka Assembly.
Saying that "police action" would be government's answer to those indulging in anti-
national and criminal activities, he said there was no question of going back on
this decision.
"Sending of cassettes will not work. We will not even hear it", Krishna said in his
tough talk, obviously referring to Veerappan's modus operandi of sending cassettes
during his kidnap dramas.
"Subversive elements only understand the language of bullet," he said.
Krishna said he would write to Chief Ministers of other states conveying the state's
position and impressing upon them that in a hostage crisis, they too should adopt a
similar stand. "It has to find acceptance at the national level."
Citing the example of Russia where commandos recently stormed a theatre and rescued
hostages from terrorists, he said, "when will we learn a lesson from this".
Krishna reiterated government's position that it would capture Veerappan, saying it
was not just his resolve but of the state and of the entire country.
On the Nagappa issue, he admitted that government had failed in protecting the JD-U
leader and said, "We are ready to face any punishment from the people for it. But,
he asserted, "government would explain its position to the people with full
confidence."
Krishna rejected a vociferous demand by JD-U for a Central Bureau of Investigation
(CBI) probe into Nagappa's killing, saying the state police were competent to
investigate it and they had successfully cracked major inter-state cases.
Referring to CRPF (Central Reserve Police Force) director general Trinath Mishra's
statement that CRPF could catch Veerappan, Krishna said the state would write to
them to send their forces to end the menace of Veerappan.
Expressing dissatisfaction over Krishna's reply, JD-U members trooped into the well
of the House and shouted slogans demanding a CBI probe and resignation of Minister
for Agro-Processing Raju Gowda for his alleged links with the bandit.
Amidst continuing noisy scenes, the house was adjourned sine die by Speaker M V
Venkatappa. The session was slated to end on December 31.
PTI
