The Hindu : `Delay in negotiations led to tragedy'

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, Dec 10, 2002

Southern States

Southern States - Karnataka

`Delay in negotiations led to tragedy'

By Our Staff Correspondent

MYSORE Dec. 9. Even as he appealed for calm, the head of the Suttur Math, Sri Shivarathri Desikendra Swami, has virtually laid the blame for the former minister, H. Nagappa's death at the State Government's doorstep.

He attributed Mr. Nagappa's death to the delay on the part of the Government in setting in motion a process for securing the former minister's release from the clutches of Veerappan. "Only if the State Government had evolved a definite plan of action to rescue Mr. Nagappa, such a black day would not have befallen us," the seer said in a statement to the press.

The Suttur Math was actively involved in the efforts to secure the release of Mr. Nagappa, a Lingayat, who was a close follower of the swami. Soon after Mr. Nagappa was abducted by Veerappan, the swami joined Mr. Nagappa's family members in urging the State to temporarily stop the operations against the bandit, keeping in mind the safety of the hostage.

The Seer was also in favour of sending the Tamil activist, Kolathur Mani, as emissary to negotiate the release of Mr. Nagappa as demanded by Veerappan.

When the retired Deputy Superintendent of Police, Abdul Kareem, father of the slain Sub-Inspector of Police, Shakeel Ahmed, threatened to block Mani's release by moving the Supreme Court, Sri Shivarathri Desikendra Swami convinced Mr. Kareem against the move.

In the wake of Mr. Nagappa's death, the Seer has called upon the State Government to put an end to the menace posed by Veerappan. "Instead of merely mouthing statements on protecting the people of the State from the menace of Veerappan, the State Government should ensure that its actions yield positive results," the seer said.

He also welcomed the State Government's firm resolve to nab the bandit. "Though the Government's announcement comes a little late, it is on expected lines."

He appealed to the people to maintain the peace and display restraint while mourning Mr. Nagappa's unfortunate death.

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