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STF operations suspended
indefinitely: Krishna

In a complete reversal from its earlier strategy, Karnataka Chief Minister S M Krishna on Thursday announced that the STF had on Wednesday night indefinitely suspended its operations to nab sandalwood smuggler Veerappan.

The state government has also withdrawn the additional forces deployed in the forest on the Karnataka-Tamil Nadu border following H Nagappa's abduction, Krishna told mediapersons in M M Hills.

We will focus on negotiations, he said, but refused to divulge details or about the possible choice of emissary.

Only on Wednesday, Krishna had said that the best way to curb the Veerappan menace would be to hunt him down.

However, with the abduction crisis entering the 19th day, the government succumbed to pressure from the opposition and members of Nagappa's politically influential Lingayat community, who had all along sought negotiations with the bandit.

Krishna, along with his cabinet colleagues Law Minister D B Chandre Gowda and Irrigation Minister H K Patil, on Thursday afternoon held separate meetings with STF officers and prominent leaders from the district in M M Hills in Chamarajnagar district.

He explained to them the steps taken by the government to ensure the safe release of Nagappa. The chief minister appealed to the ex-minister's family and supporters to co-operate with the government in its efforts.

Meanwhile, Nagappa's political rival Raju Gowda has offered his services as an emissary.

In another development, Additional Director General of Police J P Mirji has been appointed as chief of the Karnataka STF from Thursday. Prior to this, Mirji was a Joint Commissioner of Police in Bangalore.

Arkesh, an officer with the CRPF, will be his deputy.

EARLIER REPORT
Nagappa's wife threatens to fast unto death

H Nagappa Abduction: Complete coverage
The Abduction of Dr Rajakumar
The Hunt for Veerappan

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